Solve for the Missing Number in ?:4+8×3-7=26

Q: Why can't I just work from left to right?

Mathematical expressions must follow order of operations (PEMDAS)! Working left to right ignores this rule and gives wrong answers. Multiplication always comes before addition and subtraction.

Q: What does the colon symbol mean in this problem?

The colon represents division in this context. So $ ?:4 $ means $ ? \div 4 $ or $ \frac{?}{4} $.

Q: How do I know which operation to do first?

Use PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). In this problem, multiplication $ 8 \times 3 $ comes before addition and subtraction.

Q: Why did we get x = 36 as the answer?

After following order of operations, we get $ \frac{x}{4} = 9 $. Multiplying both sides by 4 gives us $ x = 36 $. This means 36 divided by 4 equals 9!

Q: Can I check my answer a different way?

Yes! Substitute your answer back: $ 36:4+8 \times 3-7 = 9+24-7 = 26 $. If you get 26 on both sides, your answer is correct!

Order of Operations with Variable Solving

Fill in the missing number:

$?\colon4+8\times3-7=26$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 Multiplication precedes addition and subtraction

00:15 Continue to solve the subtraction operation

00:28 Subtract 17 from both sides

00:37 Chapter Title

00:47 Multiply both sides by 4

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing number:

$?\colon4+8\times3-7=26$

Step-by-step solution

First, we place the multiplication exercise inside of parentheses:

$x\colon4+(8\times3)-7=26$

Next we solve the multiplication exercise:

$x\colon4+24-7=26$

We then place the subtraction exercise in parentheses:

$x\colon4+(24-7)=26$

We solve the subtraction exercise:

$x\colon4+17=26$

We swap sections:

$x\colon4=26-17$

$\frac{x}{4}=9$

Multiply by 4

$x=4\times9=36$

Final Answer

$?=36$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication before addition/subtraction in order of operations
Technique: Calculate $8 \times 3 = 24$ first, then simplify expression
Check: Substitute answer: $36:4+8 \times 3-7 = 9+24-7 = 26$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Solving left to right without following order of operations
Don't solve ?:4+8×3-7 by doing division first = wrong order! This ignores multiplication priority and gives incorrect results. Always multiply 8×3=24 first, then handle the division and remaining operations.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 100+5-100+5 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just work from left to right?

Mathematical expressions must follow order of operations (PEMDAS)! Working left to right ignores this rule and gives wrong answers. Multiplication always comes before addition and subtraction.

What does the colon symbol mean in this problem?

The colon represents division in this context. So $?:4$ means $? \div 4$ or $\frac{?}{4}$ .

How do I know which operation to do first?

Use PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). In this problem, multiplication $8 \times 3$ comes before addition and subtraction.

Why did we get x = 36 as the answer?

After following order of operations, we get $\frac{x}{4} = 9$ . Multiplying both sides by 4 gives us $x = 36$ . This means 36 divided by 4 equals 9!

Can I check my answer a different way?

Yes! Substitute your answer back: $36:4+8 \times 3-7 = 9+24-7 = 26$ . If you get 26 on both sides, your answer is correct!

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Solve for the Missing Number in ?:4+8×3-7=26

Order of Operations with Variable Solving

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

Step-by-step video solution

Step-by-step written solution

Understand the problem

Step-by-step solution

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Common Mistakes

Practice Quiz

FAQ

Why can't I just work from left to right?

What does the colon symbol mean in this problem?

How do I know which operation to do first?

Why did we get x = 36 as the answer?

Can I check my answer a different way?

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

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