Using the order of operations, what should be done first when evaluating this expression?
Negative one-half divided by 2 (9 + 3) minus 4 minus three-fourths (8)
Divide Negative one-half divided by 2.
Add 9 + 3.
Multiply Negative three-fourths (8).
Subtract 3 minus 4.
Follow the order of operations, which is PEMDAS:
1. First, we would add 9 + 3, which equals 12.
2. Next, we would calculate Negative one-half divided by 2, which equals -1/4.
3. Then multiply Negative three-fourths by 8, which equals -6.
4. After that, we would subtract 3 - 4, which equals -1.
Putting it all together, the expression would simplify to: -1/4 - 6 - 1 = -25/4 or -6.25.