Math 170:  Topic 01

Basic properties of mathematical operations (order, parentheses)

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Recognize and appropriately apply basic properties of the order of operations and the use of parentheses.

  1. Correctly evaluate numeric expressions that use the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division, in various orders, applying the "My Dear Aunt Sally" rules [and the "Dear Me, Such Anger" equivalent rule]. For example, evaluate 3+5*2-7.
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  2. Correctly evaluate numeric expressions involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division, along with parentheses to alter the order of operations. For example, evaluate (7+4*3)+(63-7*8).
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  3. Correctly evaluate numeric expressions involving the 4 basic operations along with exponentiation, with and without parentheses. For example, evaluate 7+3^2*2-8, or (635-4^(8-2*3)^(5-24/3))*4-11^2.
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©Roger M. Palay
Saline, MI 48176
August, 2013