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2-97.

Does the order matter? Homework Help ✎

1. For the problem $9+2(3)$, do you get the same final answer if you add first as you do if you multiply first?

Try taking a guess before you answer the question. The answer may surprise you!

The final answers are not the same.

2. For the problem $(2·4)·7$, do you get the same final answer if you start with the first two numbers as you do if you start with the last two numbers?

Be sure to show your work!

3. For the problem $8−4−2$, do you get the same final answer if you start by subtracting the first two numbers as you do if you start with the last two numbers?

Take your time and make sure you subtract in two different ways!

The final answers are not the same. When you subtract $8−4$ first, the answer is $2$. When you subtract $4−2$ first, the answer is $6$. As the expression is written, the answer is $2$. In order for the correct answer to be $6$, the expression would have to be written as $8−(4−2)$.