What is the value of the expression (-2)^4 - 3 \times \frac{|12 - 18|}{-2} + 5 \times (3 -… — ACT

What is the value of the expression $(-2)^4 - 3 \times \frac{|12 - 18|}{-2} + 5 \times (3 - 5)^3$ ?

Answer: -15

The correct answer is -15.

Evaluating the expression according to order of operations yields -15. First, simplify inside the grouping symbols to obtain

(3 - 5) = -2

and

|12 - 18| = 6

. Next, evaluate exponents to obtain

(-2)^4 = 16

and

(-2)^3 = -8

. After this, multiply and divide from left to right to obtain

-3 \times \frac{6}{-2} = 9

and

5 \times (-8) = -40

. Finally, add and subtract from left to right to obtain

16 + 9 - 40 = -15

Evaluate expressions inside grouping symbols.

The grouping symbols evaluate to

(3 - 5) = -2

and

|12 - 18| = |-6| = 6

Operations inside parentheses and absolute value bars are prioritized first in the order of operations.

Evaluate the exponential terms.

(-2)^4 = 16

and

(-2)^3 = -8

Exponents must be calculated after grouping symbols and before multiplication or division.

Evaluate multiplication and division from left to right.

-3 \times \frac{6}{-2} = 9

and

5 \times (-8) = -40

Multiplication and division are equal in precedence and must be executed in order from left to right.

Perform addition and subtraction from left to right.

16 + 9 - 40 = -15

Addition and subtraction are the final operations performed, in order from left to right.

Order of operations with exponents, absolute values, and signed numbers.

Question