can you help me explain this one?

9 + 6 x (8 - 5)

If the x means multiply -- then

9 + 48 - 30

If the x is an unknown -- then

9 + 48x - 30 = 48x - 21

Of course! To solve the expression 9 + 6 x (8 - 5), you need to follow the order of operations, which is often remembered using the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, Addition and Subtraction from left to right).

Let's break it down step by step:

1. The expression inside the parentheses (8 - 5) needs to be evaluated first. Since 8 minus 5 equals 3, the expression becomes 9 + 6 x 3.

2. Next, we perform the multiplication. Multiply 6 by 3, which equals 18. So, the expression now becomes 9 + 18.

3. Finally, perform the addition. Add 9 and 18, and the answer is 27.

Therefore, the answer to the expression 9 + 6 x (8 - 5) is 27.