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Example

Simplifying 8(9)÷(2)38(-9) \div (-2)^3

To simplify an expression that combines exponents, multiplication, and division with integers, apply the order of operations — evaluate exponents before performing multiplication or division:

  1. Exponents first: Evaluate (2)3=(2)(2)(2)=8(-2)^3 = (-2)(-2)(-2) = -8. The base is negative and the exponent is odd, so the result is negative. The expression becomes 8(9)÷(8)8(-9) \div (-8).
  2. Multiply: Compute 8(9)=728(-9) = -72 (different signs produce a negative product). The expression becomes 72÷(8)-72 \div (-8).
  3. Divide: Compute 72÷(8)=9-72 \div (-8) = 9 (same signs produce a positive quotient).

The final result is 99. This problem demonstrates how exponents, multiplication, and division interact in a single expression: exponents are always resolved first, then multiplication and division are performed from left to right.

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Updated 2026-05-01

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