Solve Expression: 17-(3-(-7-4)) Using Order of Operations

Let's begin by remembering the order of arithmetic operations: calculation of the operation within parentheses, multiplication and division (from left to right), addition and subtraction (from left to right)

We must also underline that when there are parentheses within parentheses, we should start with the innermost first.

$17-(3-(-7-4))=$

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

Therefore, we will first perform the operation of the inner parentheses. After which we will be able to remove the inner parentheses and will be left with only one pair of parentheses.

Adding and subtracting directed numbers is based on several key principles. In this case, we will remember that when we have two directed numbers with the same sign (plus or minus), the result will also have the same sign, which will actually be the result of an addition exercise.

$17-(3-(-7-4))= 17-(3-(-11))$
Keep in mind

What happens when there is a sequence of two signs present in the exercise (these are usually separated by parentheses) Let's highlight several different cases:

When a sequence with two plus signs appears, the result will also be a plus.

When a sequence with two minus signs appears, the result will also be a plus.

When a sequence with minus and plus signs or plus and minus signs appears, the result will be minus.

$17-(3-(-11))=17-(3+11)=$
Now we will perform the operation of the remaining parentheses and after the calculation, we will remove the parentheses.

$17-(14)=17-14=3$

Therefore, the correct answer is option b: (3)