What is the value of the expression 3(4 + 2) - 5?

• A. 15
• B. 10
• C. 8
• D. 12

Answer: (A)

To find the value of the expression 3(4 + 2) - 5, it is essential to follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).

First, address the parentheses in the expression. Inside the parentheses, you add 4 and 2 together:

4 + 2 = 6.

Now substitute this value back into the expression. This changes the expression to:

3(6) - 5.

Next, perform the multiplication:

3 multiplied by 6 equals 18.

Now, the expression is:

18 - 5.

Finally, proceed with the subtraction:

18 - 5 = 13.

It seems the calculation provided has a mistake as the correct final answer is 13, which is not among the original answer choices. However, if the choices provided were instead: 15, 10, 8, and 12, we can see that none match the correct calculation for the expression given.

Thus, if we evaluate carefully again, it might be that the interpretation or options need validation. Regardless, following the correct application of the order of operations demonstrates the importance of careful calculation in reaching