Solve the Expression: 2-3+1 Step by Step

Q: Why can't I just add 2+1 first since addition is easier?

While rearranging works for this simple problem, it's important to practice the correct order. In more complex expressions, changing the order can lead to wrong answers!

Q: What if I get a negative number in the middle?

That's completely normal! When calculating $ 2-3 $, you get -1. Don't worry about negative intermediate steps - just continue with the next operation.

Q: Do I need to use parentheses like in the explanation?

No parentheses needed for this expression! The explanation shows parentheses to demonstrate regrouping, but $ 2-3+1 $ should be solved left to right without them.

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

Use PEMDAS! Since this only has addition and subtraction (same level), work from left to right: first 2-3, then add 1.

Q: What's the difference between 2-3+1 and 2-(3+1)?

Big difference! $ 2-3+1 = 0 $ but $ 2-(3+1) = 2-4 = -2 $. Parentheses change the order and give different results!

Order of Operations with Integer Addition

Solve:

$2-3+1$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Let's group terms by plus and minus and solve

00:10 Let's solve the addition operation

00:17 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve:

$2-3+1$

Step-by-step solution

We use the substitution property and add parentheses for the addition operation:

$(2+1)-3=$

Now, we solve the exercise according to the order of operations:

$2+1=3$

$3-3=0$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Work from left to right with addition and subtraction
Technique: Calculate 2-3=-1, then add 1 to get 0
Check: Verify by substitution: 2-3+1 = -1+1 = 0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Grouping operations incorrectly
Don't rearrange to (2+1)-3 without understanding why = skips proper left-to-right order! This can work here but creates bad habits for more complex problems. Always follow left-to-right order for same-level operations.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$74+32+6+4+4=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add 2+1 first since addition is easier?

While rearranging works for this simple problem, it's important to practice the correct order. In more complex expressions, changing the order can lead to wrong answers!

What if I get a negative number in the middle?

That's completely normal! When calculating $2-3$ , you get -1. Don't worry about negative intermediate steps - just continue with the next operation.

Do I need to use parentheses like in the explanation?

No parentheses needed for this expression! The explanation shows parentheses to demonstrate regrouping, but $2-3+1$ should be solved left to right without them.

How do I know which operations to do first?

Use PEMDAS! Since this only has addition and subtraction (same level), work from left to right: first 2-3, then add 1.

What's the difference between 2-3+1 and 2-(3+1)?

Big difference! $2-3+1 = 0$ but $2-(3+1) = 2-4 = -2$ . Parentheses change the order and give different results!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime