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 will 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 simplifying the expression within 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: Then, add 8.5 to the result of the multiplication:
[tex]\[
8.5 + 32 = 40.5
\][/tex]

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

So, the simplified value of the expression [tex]\(8.5 + (12 + 4) \times 2 - 7\)[/tex] is [tex]\(33.5\)[/tex]. Therefore, the correct answer is [tex]\(33.5\)[/tex].