Solve Complex Expression: 12÷(1/3×(24÷(15×3))) Step-by-Step

Order of Operations with Nested Division

Solve the following problem:

12:(13×(24:(15×3))= 12:(\frac{1}{3}\times(24:(15\times3))=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Always solve parentheses first, even within parentheses
00:10 Write division as a fraction
00:17 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:25 Factor 24 into 3 and 8
00:33 Reduce what's possible
00:46 Division is also multiplication by the reciprocal
00:58 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
01:02 Factor 12 into 4 and 3
01:10 Factor 8 into 4 and 2
01:16 Reduce what's possible
01:28 Break down 135 into 130 plus 5
01:34 Break down the fraction into a whole number and remainder
01:43 Convert fraction to number
01:46 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

12:(13×(24:(15×3))= 12:(\frac{1}{3}\times(24:(15\times3))=

2

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations rules, we'll begin by solving the expression inside of the parentheses:

(13×(24:(15×3))= (\frac{1}{3}\times(24:(15\times3))=

Let's write the division problem as a fraction:

13×2415×3= \frac{1}{3}\times\frac{24}{15\times3}=

Given that this is a fraction divided by a fraction, we'll proceed to combine everything into one fraction:

1×243×15×3= \frac{1\times24}{3\times15\times3}=

Break down 24 into a multiplication of:

8×3 8\times3

As seen below in the fraction's numerator:

1×8×33×15×3= \frac{1\times8\times3}{3\times15\times3}=

Proceed to reduce the 3 in both the numerator and denominator as follows:

12:815×3= 12:\frac{8}{15\times3}=

Swap the numerator with the denominator, resulting in a multiplication problem where the denominator is 8:

12×15×38= 12\times\frac{15\times3}{8}=

Combine the 12 with the fraction's numerator given that this is a simple multiplication operation:

12×15×38= \frac{12\times15\times3}{8}=

Proceed to break down the 12 in the numerator and the 8 in the denominator into multiplication problems:

4×3×15×34×2= \frac{4\times3\times15\times3}{4\times2}=

Reduce the 4 in both the numerator and denominator:

3×15×32= \frac{3\times15\times3}{2}=

Solve the expression in the numerator from left to right:

3×15×3=45×3=135 3\times15\times3=45\times3=135

We obtain the following fraction:

1352 \frac{135}{2}

Break down the fraction into an addition of fractions:

1302+52= \frac{130}{2}+\frac{5}{2}=

Proceed to solve both fractions:

1302=130:2=65 \frac{130}{2}=130:2=65

52=5:2=2.5 \frac{5}{2}=5:2=2.5

We obtain the following expression:

65+2.5=67.5 65+2.5=67.5

3

Final Answer

67.5 67.5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Always work from innermost parentheses outward following PEMDAS
  • Technique: Convert division to multiplication: 12÷(8/45) = 12×(45/8)
  • Check: Verify final answer 67.5 by working backwards through each step ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring order of operations with nested expressions
    Don't work left to right without considering parentheses = 12÷1/3×24÷15×3 gives completely wrong answer! This ignores the nested structure and groupings. Always identify and solve the innermost parentheses first, then work outward.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(30-21)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I have to start with 15×3 instead of working left to right?

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Because of the nested parentheses! The expression has layers: the innermost operation (15×3) must be done first, then work outward. Think of it like unpacking boxes within boxes.

How do I keep track of all these parentheses and fractions?

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Write each step clearly and use one line per operation. Start with the innermost calculation, then substitute that result into the next layer. Don't try to do multiple steps at once!

Can I just use a calculator for the whole expression?

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While calculators help, understanding the step-by-step process is crucial! Practice breaking down complex expressions manually so you can spot errors and understand the logic.

Why does dividing by a fraction become multiplication?

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Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So 12÷845=12×458 12 ÷ \frac{8}{45} = 12 × \frac{45}{8} . This makes the calculation much easier!

What if I get a different answer than 67.5?

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Double-check each step! The most common errors happen when: (1) not following order of operations, (2) making arithmetic mistakes with fractions, or (3) forgetting to simplify properly.

Is there a shorter way to solve this problem?

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While there might be shortcuts, learning the systematic approach helps you tackle any complex expression confidently. Master this method first, then look for patterns!

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