ORDER OF OPERATIONS: Example 3

Rule 23:: The parenthesis instruct you to simplify the expression within the parenthesis before you proceed. The division symbol has the same role as the parenthesis. It instructs you to treat the quantity above the numerator as if it were enclosed in a parenthesis, and to treat the quantity below the numerator as if it were enclosed in yet another parenthesis.

Example 3: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline17 and reduce.

Answer: The answer is 1.

Solution:

The division symbol takes the place of a parenthesis. Therefore, this problem has two overall parenthesis that must be removed. The numerator must be simplified, and the denominator must be simplified before you can address the division sign.

The numerator has two "side-by-side" parenthesis.

Simplify them: = =

The denominator has two "side-by-side" parenthesis. Simplify them: =

The problem tex2html_wrap_inline17 is now simplified to tex2html_wrap_inline35

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Author: Nancy Marcus