College

What is the simplified value of the expression below?

[tex]8.5 + (12 + 4) \times 2 - 7[/tex]

A. 10.5
B. 33.5
C. 88.5
D. 97.5

Answer :

To simplify the expression [tex]\(8.5 + (12 + 4) \times 2 - 7\)[/tex], we'll follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

1. Parentheses: Start by solving the expression inside the parentheses.
[tex]\[
12 + 4 = 16
\][/tex]

2. Multiplication: Next, multiply the result from the parentheses by 2.
[tex]\[
16 \times 2 = 32
\][/tex]

3. Addition: Add 8.5 to the result of the multiplication.
[tex]\[
8.5 + 32 = 40.5
\][/tex]

4. Subtraction: Finally, subtract 7 from the result of the addition.
[tex]\[
40.5 - 7 = 33.5
\][/tex]

Therefore, the simplified value of the expression is [tex]\(\boxed{33.5}\)[/tex].