IXL | Evaluate multi-variable expressions with exponents

Find the value of the expression

(m × n) × (^–1)³

for m = 2 and n = 7.

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Learn with an example

question

Find the value of the expression

r − s × (^–1)³

for r = 13 and s = 5.

key idea

Order of operations:

1. Parentheses
2. Exponents
3. Multiplication and Division
4. Addition and Subtraction

You can use the sentence "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" to help you remember.

solution

Plug in r = 13 and s = 5.

r − s × (^–1)³

13 − 5 × (^–1)³

Now evaluate. Follow the order of operations.

Step 1: Do operations inside parentheses.

There are no operations inside parentheses. Go on to step 2.

Step 2: Evaluate exponents.

13 − 5 × (^–1)³

13 − 5 × ^–1

Step 3: Multiply and divide from left to right.

13 − 5 × ^–1

13 − ^–5

Step 4: Add and subtract from left to right.

13 − ^–5

18

So, for r = 13 and s = 5:

r − s × (^–1)³ = 18

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Evaluating expressions

Lesson: Exponents

Lesson: Order of operations

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Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

Evaluate numerical expressions involving exponents

K.5Evaluate one-variable expressions

A.9Evaluate numerical expressions involving integers

Lesson: Evaluating expressions

Lesson: Exponents

Lesson: Order of operations

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