Evaluation of a Mathematical Expression for Pre-Algebra Students

A step-by-step evaluation of the expression involving addition, division, and subtraction, suitable for middle school students.

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To evaluate the expression:

5 + 2 - 4 ÷ (−1/4) + 1 1/2

Let's break it down step by step.

  1. Handle the division first:

    2. We have:

    -4 ÷ (−1/4)

    This can be rewritten as:

    -4 × (−4/1) = 16

  2. Now rewrite the expression with this value:

    3. 5 + 2 + 16 + 1 1/2

  3. Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction:

    4. 1 1/2 = 3/2

  4. Now combine all the terms:

    5. 5 + 2 + 16 + 3/2

    First, combine the whole numbers:

    5 + 2 + 16 = 23

  5. Add to this the fraction:

    6. 23 + 3/2

    To add 23 and 3/2, convert 23 to a fraction with the same denominator:

    23 = 46/2

  6. Now add the fractions:

    7. 46/2 + 3/2 = (46 + 3)/2 = 49/2

  7. Final Step:

    8. This results in:

    49/2

    Which can also be expressed as:

    24 1/2

    Thus, the final result of the original expression is:

    Answer: 24 1/2 or 49/2

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