Solve -38-(24-(17-5)): Multiple Nested Parentheses Problem

Question

Solve the following problem:

38(24(175))= -38-(24-(17-5))=

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Solution
00:03 We always solve parentheses first, the rule applies even within parentheses
00:07 We calculate the most "inner" parentheses first
00:14 Now we calculate the outer parentheses
00:23 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

Adhering to the order of operations: Begin by calculating what's inside of the parentheses, then proceed to multiplication and division (from left to right), finish with addition and subtraction (from left to right)

When there are parentheses within parentheses, we start with the innermost ones first.

38(24(175))= -38-(24-(17-5)) =

In this exercise, there are only subtraction operations and parentheses within parentheses.

Therefore, we will first perform the operation in the inner parentheses, after which we can remove the inner parentheses. We'll continue doing this until there are no more parentheses in the exercise.

38(24(175))=38(24(12)) -38-(24-(17-5)) = -38-(24-(12))

38(24(12))=38(2412) -38-(24-(12)) = -38-(24-12)

Now we'll perform the operation in the remaining parentheses. We'll then proceed to remove the parentheses


38(2412)=38(12) -38-(24-12) = -38-(12)

38(12)=3812 -38-(12) = -38-12

Reminder - Addition and subtraction of numbers with the same sign

When we have two numbers with the same sign (plus or minus), that sign will remain in the result, which will actually be the result of an addition exercise.

3812=50 -38-12 = -50

Therefore the answer is option c - (-50)

Answer

50 -50