Which of the following represents the correct evaluation of the mathematical expression be… — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Which of the following represents the correct evaluation of the mathematical expression below?

-1.5 - 2.4 \times (6.2 - 3.45)

The correct answer is -8.1.

The correct evaluation requires following the exact order of operations. First, correctly align the decimals to subtract inside the parentheses (

6.20 - 3.45 = 2.75

). Second, multiply that result by

2.4

to get

6.6

. Finally, calculate

-1.5 - 6.6

, which correctly yields

-8.1

Evaluate the expression inside the parentheses.

6.20 - 3.45 = 2.75

According to the order of operations (PEMDAS), parentheses must be resolved first. A zero is added to

6.2

to properly align the decimals.

Perform the multiplication.

-2.4 \times 2.75 = -6.6

Multiplication takes precedence over addition and subtraction. The product of a negative and a positive number is negative.

Perform the final subtraction.

-1.5 - 6.6 = -8.1

Combine the remaining terms. Subtracting a positive number from a negative number moves further left on the number line.

Order of Operations with Decimals

Question