Evaluate.

When it comes to evaluating mathematical expressions, understanding the order of operations is crucial to getting the correct answer. A common approach is to remember the acronym PEMDAS — Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). For example, in the expression 16 - 2(3), you first handle the multiplication inside the parentheses: 2 times 3 equals 6, and then subtract that from 16 to get 10. Working through expressions like 5 - 1 + 4 requires careful attention as well. Since addition and subtraction are of the same precedence, solving from left to right results in (5 - 1) + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8. It’s tempting to make mistakes by changing the order, so taking a moment to write down intermediate steps is helpful. Personally, I find it beneficial to rewrite complicated expressions on scratch paper, separating each step visually. For instance, breaking down 2 x 2 x 2 and then multiplying by 37.3 gives a clearer picture and avoids rushed errors. Using tools like a calculator for decimal or complex multiplications can also verify manual calculations. Additionally, practicing various problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and order of operations aids confidence. If you encounter expressions with brackets or mixed operations, always start inside the innermost parentheses and work outward. This structured approach simplifies even challenging problems. Overall, consistent practice and attentiveness to each operation’s priority help in accurately evaluating diverse mathematical expressions, improving both speed and accuracy over time.