2. Which of the following is the correct Simplification of the expression below? 12 +3 X 4 -1+ 2^3
Answer: A
31
To simplify the expression 12 + 3 × 4 - 1 + 2^3, we first follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). Evaluating the expression, we find that it simplifies correctly to 31.
A) 31
This option is correct. After applying the order of operations, we calculate 2^3 (which equals 8), then perform the multiplication (3 × 4 = 12), and finally sum and subtract accordingly: 12 + 12 - 1 + 8 = 31.
B) 7
This option is incorrect. If we calculate using the correct order of operations, we would not arrive at 7 at any point in the simplification process. The operations lead to a much larger total.
C) 15
This option is incorrect. A total of 15 does not reflect the proper calculations of the expression. Following the steps of multiplication and exponentiation will yield a different result.
D) 101
This option is incorrect. A total of 101 is far too high and does not correlate with any logical outcome from the arithmetic operations defined in the expression.
Conclusion
The answer 31 is definitively correct as it accurately reflects the result of following the order of operations in simplifying the expression. All other options fail to represent the correct calculations and yield incorrect totals, demonstrating a misunderstanding of the arithmetic involved.