SOLUTION: Please explain how the answer to the following equation is 14. 20-6.4-3. The 4-3 part of the equation has a vinculum bar above it. The answer I keep getting is -7; but the answer

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Please explain how the answer to the following equation is 14. 20-6.4-3. The 4-3 part of the equation has a vinculum bar above it. The answer I keep getting is -7; but the answer       Log On


   

Question 777928: Please explain how the answer to the following equation is 14.
20-6.4-3. The 4-3 part of the equation has a vinculum bar above it. The answer I keep getting is -7; but the answer sheet has 14.
Answer by ramkikk66(644) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I believe the expression you have is
20+-+6%2A4-3
Normally, since multiplication takes precedence over addn/subtraction, you would
interpret it as 20+-+24+-+3+=+-7
However, a vinculum over (4-3) means that the expression under the vinculum (in
this case, 4 - 3) has to be evaluated first.
So the expression is equivalent to +20+-+6%2A%284-3%29
=20+-+6%2A1+=+20+-+6+=+14
Hope you got it :)