Evaluating the Left Side of the Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 114 views

Introduction

Mathematics is a subject that deals with numbers, quantities, and shapes. It involves various operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In this article, we will analyze a given equation and determine which option best explains it.

The Equation

The given equation is:

$(25 \div 5) + 8 \frac{1}{2} = (6 \times 3) - 4 \frac{1}{2}$

This equation involves various mathematical operations, including division, addition, multiplication, and subtraction. To understand which option is correct, we need to evaluate both sides of the equation.

Evaluating the Left Side of the Equation

Let's start by evaluating the left side of the equation:

$(25 \div 5) + 8 \frac{1}{2}$

First, we need to perform the division operation:

$25 \div 5 = 5$

Next, we need to convert the mixed number $8 \frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction:

$8 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{17}{2}$

Now, we can add the two fractions:

$5 + \frac{17}{2} = \frac{10}{2} + \frac{17}{2} = \frac{27}{2}$

To convert the improper fraction to a decimal, we can divide the numerator by the denominator:

$\frac{27}{2} = 13.5$

Evaluating the Right Side of the Equation

Now, let's evaluate the right side of the equation:

$(6 \times 3) - 4 \frac{1}{2}$

First, we need to perform the multiplication operation:

$6 \times 3 = 18$

Next, we need to convert the mixed number $4 \frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction:

$4 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}$

Now, we can subtract the two fractions:

$18 - \frac{9}{2} = \frac{36}{2} - \frac{9}{2} = \frac{27}{2}$

To convert the improper fraction to a decimal, we can divide the numerator by the denominator:

$\frac{27}{2} = 13.5$

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, we can see that both sides of the equation equal 13.5. Therefore, the correct option is:

B. This equation is true because both sides of the equation equal 13.5.

Why is this equation true?

This equation is true because both sides of the equation equal 13.5. When we evaluate the left side of the equation, we get 13.5. Similarly, when we evaluate the right side of the equation, we also get 13.5. This means that the equation is balanced, and both sides are equal.

What can we learn from this equation?

This equation teaches us the importance of following the order of operations when evaluating mathematical expressions. When we evaluate the left side of the equation, we need to perform the division operation first, followed by the addition operation. Similarly, when we evaluate the right side of the equation, we need to perform the multiplication operation first, followed by the subtraction operation.

Real-World Applications

This equation has real-world applications in various fields, including finance, engineering, and science. For example, in finance, we may need to calculate the total cost of a project, which involves adding and subtracting various expenses. In engineering, we may need to calculate the stress and strain on a material, which involves multiplying and dividing various forces. In science, we may need to calculate the velocity and acceleration of an object, which involves adding and subtracting various velocities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct option is B. This equation is true because both sides of the equation equal 13.5. This equation teaches us the importance of following the order of operations when evaluating mathematical expressions and has real-world applications in various fields.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Order of Operations. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/x2f-order-of-ops/x2f-order-of-ops/v/order-of-operations
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Order of Operations. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/subjects/Algebra/Order-of-Operations

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/subjects/Algebra

FAQs

Q: What is the order of operations? A: The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when evaluating mathematical expressions.
Q: Why is it important to follow the order of operations? A: Following the order of operations is important because it ensures that mathematical expressions are evaluated correctly and consistently.
Q: What are some real-world applications of the order of operations? A: The order of operations has real-world applications in various fields, including finance, engineering, and science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) =====================================

Q: What is the order of operations?

A: The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when evaluating mathematical expressions. The order of operations is often remembered using the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for:

Parentheses: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Q: Why is it important to follow the order of operations?

A: Following the order of operations is important because it ensures that mathematical expressions are evaluated correctly and consistently. If we don't follow the order of operations, we may get different answers depending on the order in which we perform the operations.

Q: What are some examples of the order of operations?

A: Here are a few examples of the order of operations:

Example 1: 2 + 3 × 4
- Follow the order of operations: Multiply 3 and 4 first, then add 2.
- Answer: 2 + 12 = 14
Example 2: 10 - 2 + 5
- Follow the order of operations: Subtract 2 from 10 first, then add 5.
- Answer: 8 + 5 = 13
Example 3: 12 ÷ 3 + 2
- Follow the order of operations: Divide 12 by 3 first, then add 2.
- Answer: 4 + 2 = 6

Q: What are some real-world applications of the order of operations?

A: The order of operations has real-world applications in various fields, including finance, engineering, and science. For example:

Finance: When calculating the total cost of a project, we need to follow the order of operations to ensure that we are adding and subtracting the correct amounts.
Engineering: When designing a system, we need to follow the order of operations to ensure that we are multiplying and dividing the correct forces and velocities.
Science: When calculating the velocity and acceleration of an object, we need to follow the order of operations to ensure that we are adding and subtracting the correct velocities.

Q: How can I remember the order of operations?

A: There are several ways to remember the order of operations:

Use the acronym PEMDAS: PEMDAS is a helpful acronym that reminds us of the order of operations.
Create a mnemonic device: Create a mnemonic device, such as "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally," to help you remember the order of operations.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice evaluating mathematical expressions, the more comfortable you will become with the order of operations.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the order of operations?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the order of operations:

Not following the order of operations: Make sure to follow the order of operations carefully to avoid getting different answers.
Not using parentheses: Use parentheses to group expressions and ensure that they are evaluated correctly.
Not evaluating exponents correctly: Make sure to evaluate exponents correctly, especially when working with negative numbers.

Q: How can I apply the order of operations in real-world situations?

A: Here are some tips for applying the order of operations in real-world situations:

Read the problem carefully: Read the problem carefully and identify the operations that need to be performed.
Use a calculator or computer: Use a calculator or computer to help you evaluate mathematical expressions and ensure that you are following the order of operations.
Check your work: Check your work carefully to ensure that you are getting the correct answer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when evaluating mathematical expressions. By following the order of operations, we can ensure that mathematical expressions are evaluated correctly and consistently. Remember to use the acronym PEMDAS, create a mnemonic device, and practice, practice, practice to become more comfortable with the order of operations.