how can i find an example for multiplication, division, addition and subtraction and at least one set of parentheses to write an expression that simplifies to 7, 13, or 17.

To find an example for multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction that simplifies to 7, 13, or 17 with at least one set of parentheses, we can follow these steps:

1. Start by choosing any two numbers. Let's assume we choose 3 and 4.

2. Choose an operation to perform between the two numbers. In this case, we can choose multiplication, so the expression becomes "3 × 4".

3. Now, to simplify this expression further, we need to introduce parentheses. We can place parentheses around one of the numbers and the operation. Let's place parentheses around the number 4 and the multiplication operation, resulting in "(3 × (4))".

4. Calculate the expression inside the parentheses first: "3 × 4 = 12".

5. The final expression is "(3 × (4))" or simply "12". Since this expression does not simplify to 7, 13, or 17, we can try another approach.

6. Let's choose different numbers this time. Assume we choose 6 and 2.

7. Choose an operation to perform between the two numbers. Let's choose addition, so the expression becomes "6 + 2".

8. Introduce parentheses by placing them around one of the numbers and the operation. Let's place parentheses around the number 6 and the addition operation, resulting in "((6) + 2)".

9. Calculate the expression inside the parentheses first: "6 + 2 = 8".

10. The final expression is "((6) + 2)" or simply "8". Since this expression does not simplify to 7, 13, or 17, we can try another approach.

11. Let's choose different numbers again. Assume we choose 10 and 3.

12. Choose an operation to perform between the two numbers. Let's choose subtraction, so the expression becomes "10 - 3".

13. Introduce parentheses by placing them around one of the numbers and the operation. Let's place parentheses around the number 10 and the subtraction operation, resulting in "((10) - 3)".

14. Calculate the expression inside the parentheses first: "10 - 3 = 7".

15. The final expression is "((10) - 3)" or simply "7". This expression simplifies to 7, which is one of the desired outcomes.

By following this step-by-step process, you can find an example using multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction with parentheses that simplifies to 7, 13, or 17.