4. Evaluate each expression. Express your

answer to no more than three decimal places.
a) 3.5 + 16 - 2.5^2

a) 3.5 + 16 - 2.5^2 = 3.5 + 16 - 6.25 = 23.5 - 6.25 = 17.25

To evaluate the expression 3.5 + 16 - 2.5^2, we follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

1. First, calculate the square of 2.5:
2.5^2 = 6.25

2. Now, substitute the value back into the original expression:
3.5 + 16 - 6.25

3. Next, perform addition and subtraction from left to right:
3.5 + 16 - 6.25 = 19.5 - 6.25

4. Finally, subtract the numbers:
19.5 - 6.25 = 13.25

The answer, expressed to no more than three decimal places, is 13.25.

To evaluate the expression 3.5 + 16 - 2.5^2, follow the order of operations, known as PEMDAS. PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

First, evaluate the exponent: 2.5^2 = 2.5 * 2.5 = 6.25.

Next, perform the addition and subtraction from left to right:

3.5 + 16 = 19.5.

Finally, subtract 6.25 from 19.5:

19.5 - 6.25 = 13.25.

Therefore, the answer to the expression 3.5 + 16 - 2.5^2 is 13.25.