SOLUTION: What do the bracket mean? I have problem 3[20-4{2+1}] that I can't solve.

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Question 617791: What do the bracket mean? I have problem 3[20-4{2+1}] that I can't solve.
Found 2 solutions by IFY, MathTherapy:
Answer by IFY(62) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!




3[20-4{2+1}]
3[ 16 { 3}]
3 [ 48]
= 144

Answer by MathTherapy(10862) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
What do the bracket mean? I have problem 3[20-4{2+1}] that I can't solve.

Usually, the expression(s) in these brackets [ ] are simplified before the expression(s) in these brackets { }, but in this particular case, these brackets { } are simplified before the expression(s) in these brackets [ ] are.

Having said that, we have: 3[20 - 4{2 + 1}] ------- 3[20 - 4{3}] ---- 3[20 - 12] ---- 3[8], or highlight_green%2824%29

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