Understanding the Math Behind 3-23÷2

Welcome to our detailed guide on solving the mathematical expression 3-23÷2. This article will break down and demystify the key steps involved in solving such equations using the order of operations. Let's dive in and explore how we can simplify and find the answer.

The Problem: 3-23÷2

Consider the equation: 3-23÷2. At first glance, it may appear to be a straightforward subtraction problem. However, the correct solution requires an understanding of the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

The Order of Operations: PEMDAS

Parentheses: There are no parentheses in the equation, so we can skip this step.

Exponents: The equation does not contain any exponents, so we move on.

Multiplication and Division: These operations are performed from left to right. In our equation, 23 is divided by 2.

Addition and Subtraction: These operations are also performed from left to right after the aforementioned steps.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Let's break down the calculation step-by-step:

Step 1: Division

First, we perform the division operation 23 ÷ 2.

23 ÷ 2 11.5

Expressing 11.5 as a fraction or mixed number:

11.5 11 1/2 11.5 23/2 in fraction form

Next, we substitute this value back into the equation:

3 - 11.5

Step 2: Subtraction

Now, we perform the subtraction operation:

3 - 11.5 -8.5

Expressing -8.5 as a fraction or mixed number:

-8.5 -8 1/2 -8.5 -17/2 in fraction form

Conclusion

The final answer to the equation 3-23÷2 is -8.5, or -8 1/2 as a mixed number, or -17/2 in fraction form.

While the provided content in the premise and calculations section doesn't perfectly align with the final answer, it does discuss the concept of division and shows how it should be handled correctly in the order of operations. Understanding the order of operations is crucial in solving complex mathematical expressions and equations. By mastering these principles, you can confidently tackle more challenging problems.