Evaluating Arithmetic Expression

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    Arithmetic Expression
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation and evaluation of an arithmetic expression involving exponents, specifically focusing on the notation of a small raised '2' next to a number in the context of a mathematical problem. The scope includes conceptual clarification and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek clarification on the meaning of the small raised '2' next to the number 4, suggesting it indicates an exponent.
  • One participant explains that the exponent denotes multiplying the base by itself, specifically referring to the expression as $(3)(-4)^{2}-(3)(-5)$.
  • Another participant mentions the order of operations (BIMDAS) and provides a calculation that leads to a result of 50, interpreting the expression in a specific way.
  • A later reply challenges the previous calculations, asserting that the expression should be evaluated differently, leading to a result of 63 instead of 50, and clarifying the operation involving -5.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the arithmetic expression and its evaluation, with no consensus on the correct answer or method of calculation. There are competing views on how to handle the operations involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings regarding the order of operations and the interpretation of negative numbers in arithmetic expressions. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions about how the expression should be evaluated.

Britt1
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I need help figuring out what the little 2 next to an equation means this is what my problem looks like I have the answer but I can't figure out how it was found out. (3)(-4)2 - (3)(-5) so the 2 next to the 4 in parentheses is little.
 
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Britt said:
I need help figuring out what the little 2 next to an equation means this is what my problem looks like I have the answer but I can't figure out how it was found out. (3)(-4)2 - (3)(-5) so the 2 next to the 4 in parentheses is little.

Do you mean $(3)(-4)^{2}-(3)(-5)?$ If so, the small raised '2' is an exponent. That is a shorthand notation for multiplying something by itself a certain number of times.
 
My tip: BIMDAS!

-4 squared is 16 as I have shown. And then open the brackets. (3)(16) - 3 + 5

3x16 = 48

-3+5 = 2

48 + 2 = 50

But yeah, as Ackbach said, a little 2 is a squared sign meaning to multiply it by itself.
 
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
SDAlgebra said:
My tip: BIMDAS!

-4 squared is 16 as I have shown. And then open the brackets. (3)(16) - 3 + 5

3x16 = 48

-3+5 = 2

48 + 2 = 50

But yeah, as Ackbach said, a little 2 is a squared sign meaning to multiply it by itself.
8 year old thread revived.
 
And apparently revived to give the wrong answer!

The original problem was $(3)(-4)^2- (3)(-5)$.
The -5 is multiplied by -3, not subtracted from it.
3(16)+ 15= 48+ 15= 63, not 50.
 

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