How do you evaluate #104 - 6c + 3# for c = 1 1/2?

1 Answer
Jim H
Jun 29, 2015

If the intended value of #c# is #1 1/2#, then we get #98#. (And perhaps a lesson in why mixed number format is not good for writing on a single line.)

Explanation:

#104 - 6c +3# for #c=1 1/2#

Substitute:

#104 - 6(1 1/2) +3#.

Now evaluate. Remember the order of operations, we need to multiply #6 xx 1 1/2 = 6 xx 3/2 = 6/1 xx 3/2 = (3 * cancel(2))/1 xx 3/cancel(2) = 9#

Now evaluate:

#104 - 9 +3# by doing Addition and Subtraction from left to right:

#104 - 9 +3 = (104-9) + 3 = 95 +3 = 98#

Note
It is sometimes difficult to read the difference between 1 1/2 and 11/2. Especially for people who do not used mixed numbers very often (if ever).

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