When there is more than one operation in a mathematical expression, we use the PEMDAS method. PEMDAS in Math gives you a proper structure to produce a unique answer for every mathematical expression.
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from Dave Lester
Follow the order of operations for division, multiplication and addition.....First do multiplication and division next. (Neither takes priority, and when there is a consecutive string of them, they are performed left to right.) Then addition and subtraction last. (Again, neither takes priority and a consecutive string of them are performed left to right.)
4 + 9 - 2 x 16 + 1 ÷ 3 x 6 – 67 + 8 x 2 – 3 + 26 – 1 ÷ 34 + 3 ÷ 7 + 2 - 5 =
becomes
4+9-32+.33x6-67+16-3+26-.029+.428+2-5
becomes
4+9-32+2-67+16-3+26-.029+.428+2-5
becomes
-47.601.
David