IdeasCuriosas - Every Question Deserves an Answer Logo

In Mathematics / Middle School | 2014-09-01

What is the value of \(1 - 18 + 25\) if you subtract then add?

What is the value if you add then subtract?

Why is the order of operations necessary?

Asked by yofloflo23

Answer (3)

The answer to that is always 8, it doesnt matter if you do 1-18 then add 25 or do -18+25 then add one.

Answered by TaylorBayley | 2024-06-10

The value of 1 − 18 + 25 is 8 when subtracting then adding, and -42 when adding then subtracting. Order of operations ensures consistency in calculations.
When evaluating expressions involving addition and subtraction, the order in which the operations are performed can affect the result due to the rules of arithmetic. Let's evaluate the expression 1 - 18 + 25\
If we subtract then add:
1 − 18 = − 17
− 17 + 25 = 8
If we add then subtract:
18 + 25 = 43
1 − 43 = − 42
As you can see, the order of operations matters.
If we perform the operations from left to right without regard to the order of operations, we would get different results.
The order of operations, also known as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, Addition and Subtraction from left to right), ensures that mathematical expressions are evaluated consistently and unambiguously.
Without following the order of operations, different interpretations and results can arise, leading to confusion and incorrect calculations.

Answered by susmthaIRA | 2024-06-24

The value of 1 − 18 + 25 is 8 when subtracting then adding, and -42 when adding then subtracting. The order of operations is crucial to ensure calculations are consistent and clear. Following the standard order helps avoid ambiguity in mathematical expressions.
;

Answered by susmthaIRA | 2025-03-24