Calculate The Following Expression: ( − 16 ) − 21 = (-16) - 21 = ( − 16 ) − 21 =
Introduction
In mathematics, expressions are a fundamental concept that helps us solve problems and understand various mathematical operations. In this article, we will focus on calculating the expression . We will break down the solution into simple steps, making it easy to understand and follow.
Understanding the Expression
The given expression is . To solve this, we need to understand the order of operations, which is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when we have multiple operations in an expression. The order of operations is as follows:
- Parentheses: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses first.
- Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
- Multiplication and Division: Evaluate multiplication and division operations from left to right.
- Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.
Step 1: Evaluate the Expression Inside the Parentheses
In the given expression, there are no expressions inside parentheses that need to be evaluated. Therefore, we can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Subtract 21 from -16
Now, we need to subtract 21 from -16. To do this, we can use the following steps:
- Start with the value of -16.
- Subtract 21 from -16.
Performing the Subtraction
To subtract 21 from -16, we can use the following steps:
- Start with the value of -16.
- Count back 21 units from -16.
- The result will be the value of -37.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the value of the expression is -37. We used the order of operations to evaluate the expression and performed the subtraction to get the final result.
Real-World Applications
Understanding how to solve expressions like is essential in various real-world applications, such as:
- Finance: When calculating the balance of a bank account, you may need to subtract a certain amount from the current balance.
- Science: In scientific calculations, you may need to subtract a value from a given quantity.
- Engineering: In engineering, you may need to calculate the difference between two values.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you solve expressions like :
- Use the order of operations: Always follow the order of operations to ensure that you are evaluating the expression correctly.
- Use a number line: A number line can help you visualize the subtraction process and make it easier to understand.
- Check your work: Always check your work to ensure that you have the correct result.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when solving expressions like :
- Not following the order of operations: Failing to follow the order of operations can lead to incorrect results.
- Not using a number line: Not using a number line can make it difficult to visualize the subtraction process.
- Not checking your work: Not checking your work can lead to incorrect results.
Conclusion
Introduction
In our previous article, we solved the expression and provided a step-by-step guide on how to evaluate it. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand the concept better and address any questions you may have.
Q: What is the order of operations?
A: The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when we have multiple operations in an expression. The order of operations is as follows:
- Parentheses: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses first.
- Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
- Multiplication and Division: Evaluate multiplication and division operations from left to right.
- Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.
Q: Why is it important to follow the order of operations?
A: Following the order of operations is essential to ensure that you are evaluating the expression correctly. If you don't follow the order of operations, you may get incorrect results.
Q: How do I evaluate expressions inside parentheses?
A: To evaluate expressions inside parentheses, you need to follow the order of operations. If there are no expressions inside parentheses, you can move on to the next step.
Q: What is the difference between subtraction and addition?
A: Subtraction and addition are two different operations. Subtraction involves finding the difference between two numbers, while addition involves finding the sum of two numbers.
Q: How do I subtract a negative number from a positive number?
A: To subtract a negative number from a positive number, you need to add the absolute value of the negative number to the positive number. For example, to subtract -3 from 5, you would add 3 to 5, resulting in 8.
Q: What is the result of ?
A: The result of is -37.
Q: How do I use a number line to visualize the subtraction process?
A: A number line is a visual representation of numbers on a line. To use a number line to visualize the subtraction process, you can start at the number -16 and count back 21 units. The result will be the value of -37.
Q: Why is it essential to check your work?
A: Checking your work is essential to ensure that you have the correct result. If you don't check your work, you may get incorrect results.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving expressions?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving expressions include:
- Not following the order of operations
- Not using a number line
- Not checking your work
Conclusion
In conclusion, solving expressions like requires a clear understanding of the order of operations and the ability to perform subtraction. By following the steps outlined in this article and using a number line to visualize the subtraction process, you can easily solve expressions like this and apply the concepts to real-world applications. Remember to check your work to ensure that you have the correct result.
Real-World Applications
Understanding how to solve expressions like is essential in various real-world applications, such as:
- Finance: When calculating the balance of a bank account, you may need to subtract a certain amount from the current balance.
- Science: In scientific calculations, you may need to subtract a value from a given quantity.
- Engineering: In engineering, you may need to calculate the difference between two values.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you solve expressions like :
- Use the order of operations: Always follow the order of operations to ensure that you are evaluating the expression correctly.
- Use a number line: A number line can help you visualize the subtraction process and make it easier to understand.
- Check your work: Always check your work to ensure that you have the correct result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solving expressions like requires a clear understanding of the order of operations and the ability to perform subtraction. By following the steps outlined in this article and using a number line to visualize the subtraction process, you can easily solve expressions like this and apply the concepts to real-world applications. Remember to check your work to ensure that you have the correct result.