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| Question 209380:  Theme:  2 Sets of Parenthesis Nested within Each Other
 My question:  Why does answer, "36" move from (-36) when removed from parenthesis as the last operation of this solution?  I need simple but rule based reference of where to study up on how to manipulate parentheses within mathematical/algebraic rules.  Thank you.
 My solution follows:
 (9 + 3 - 4 * ( 8 + ( - 2 ) ^2) )
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 Step 1:  Find 1st set of inner parenthesis ( - 2 ); No operation indicated;
 Step 2:  Proceed to next set of inner parenthesis: ( 8 + ( - 2 ) ^ 2 ).  Process.  2 ^ 2 = 4;
 ( 8 + ( 4) ) = ( 12 ).  Rewrite equation: ( 9 + 3 - 4 * (12) )
 Step 3:  All parenthesis and powers are resolved.  Now proceed to Multiply, Divide; then Add, Subtract.
 So, 4 * 12 = 48;  Rewrite:  ( 9 + 3 - 48 ).  Solve:  ( 12 - 48 ) = ( -36 ).  Remove parenthesis:  A: 36
 Answer by rfer(16322)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! the-2^2 becomes a positive then you multiply by the -4 so your final answer is negative. remember the order of operations work everything to the right of the multiplication sign first in this case.
 Then multiply by -4, last do the 9+3
 when you multiply by the 4 it is a -4 not positive
 -2^2=+4
 +4+8=12
 12*-4=-48
 9+3-48=-36
 when you add algebreticly you add or subtract following the signs and the answer gets the sign of the biggest number
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