SOLUTION: How to simplify this. The book says the answer is -17 but I want to learn how to do it. {(-3) to the 2nd power +4](8-20)divided by (-2)]} + (-5) square root of 100

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: How to simplify this. The book says the answer is -17 but I want to learn how to do it. {(-3) to the 2nd power +4](8-20)divided by (-2)]} + (-5) square root of 100      Log On


   

Question 842978: How to simplify this. The book says the answer is -17 but I want to learn how to do it. {(-3) to the 2nd power +4](8-20)divided by (-2)]} + (-5) square root of 100
Answer by josgarithmetic(39614) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The clearest reading of your described expressions and grouping symbols is this:
%28%28-3%29%5E2%2B4%288-20%29%2F%28-2%29%29-5%2Asqrt%28100%29

Work inside parentheses first, as far inside nested, working outward.
%28%28-3%29%5E2%2B4%28-12%29%2F%28-2%29%29-5%2Asqrt%28100%29
The irrational term at the end is not really irrational, and it also can be handled separately at any time, including now;
%28%28-3%29%5E2%2B4%28-12%29%2F%28-2%29%29-5%2A10
Do exponentiations;
%289%2B4%28-12%29%2F%28-2%29%29-5%2A10
You will find that certain grouping symbols will not affect anything:
9%2B4%28-12%29%2F%28-2%29-5%2A10
Do multiplications and divisions as found from left to right:
9%2B23-50
Do additions and subtractions from left to right:
32-50
highlight%28highlight%28-18%29%29 ----------This is NOT what you expected.

You can recheck my steps if you like, but if they are fine, you might likely have some mistake in your groupings in your original description. If this is the case (and probably is) then you need to be more exact in what the expression given is.
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One major fault is found in your described expression. You number of left and right grouping symbols do not match!