How do you solve #24/2-6*2=x#?

3 Answers
Nov 13, 2017

#x=0#

Explanation:

Solve:

#24/2-6*2=x#

According to the order of operations, multiplication and division are performed first from left to right, and addition and subtraction are performed last from left to right.

#color(red)(24/2)-color(blue)(6*2)=x#

Divide #color(red)(color(green)cancel(color(red)(24))^12/color(green)cancel(color(red)(2))^1#.

#color(red)12-color(blue)(6*2)=x#

Multiply #color(blue)(6*2#.

#color(red)12-color(blue)12=x#

Simplify.

#color(purple)(0)=x#

Switch sides.

#x=color(purple)(0)#

Nov 13, 2017

#x = 0#

Explanation:

Given: #24/2-6*2 = x#

Math requires that we follow an order of operations to get to the same answer each time. In the U.S. we call this PEDMAS: Parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. There is a mnemonics used: "Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally".

PEDMAS doesn't tell you that multiplication and division have equal precedence, and addition and subtraction have equal precedence.

Also brackets are considered like parentheses, although usually you start farthest inside, usually a parentheses, and work your way out to the bracket.

It is also important to note that you must work your way from left to right once all of the PEDMAS work is complete.

So, from the given problem first divide 24 by 2: #" "12-6*2 = x#

Next multiply 6 times 2: #" "12-12 = x#

Finally subtract : #" "0= x#

Nov 13, 2017

#24/2-6xx2=x#
Solve
#(cancel24^12)/(cancel2^1) - 12 =x#
Solve again
#12-12=x#
Solve again again
#x=0#