Use the order of operations to simplify the expression.
–18 + (–4) + 20 + (–3)
I know the answer is -5. Care to show me how to do it step by step, please?
–18 + (–4) + 20 + (–3)
-22 + 17 = -5
To simplify the expression –18 + (–4) + 20 + (–3) using the order of operations, follow these steps:
Step 1: Simplify inside parentheses
In this case, there are two sets of parentheses:
–18 + (–4) + 20 + (–3)
The first set, (–4), simplifies to –4.
–18 + (–4) + 20 + (–3) becomes –18 – 4 + 20 + (–3).
The second set, (–3), simplifies to –3.
–18 – 4 + 20 + (–3) becomes –18 – 4 + 20 – 3.
Step 2: Perform addition and subtraction from left to right
Now, perform the additions and subtractions from left to right. Start by adding –18 and –4:
–18 – 4 = –22
The expression now becomes –22 + 20 – 3.
Next, add –22 and 20:
–22 + 20 = –2
The expression now becomes –2 – 3.
Finally, subtract 3 from –2:
–2 – 3 = –5
Therefore, –18 + (–4) + 20 + (–3) simplifies to –5.