How do you simplify (2^3/( -40- 9.5))- 3.5 using PEMDAS?

1 Answer
Mar 21, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, simplify the Exponent term in the numerator of the fraction within the parenthesis:

(color(red)(2^3)/(-40 - 9.5)) - 3.5 = (8/(-40 - 9.5)) - 3.5

Next, execute the subtraction in the denominator of the fraction within the Parenthesis:

(8/(color(red)(-40 - 9.5))) - 3.5 -> (8 / -49.5) - 3.5

Then, execute the division within the parenthesis:

(color(red)(8/-49.5)) - 3.5 -> -0.bar16 - 3.5

Now, execute the remaining subtraction operation:

color(red)(-0.bar16 - 3.5) = -3.66bar16