Example

Simplifying 18(4)÷(2)318(-4) \div (-2)^3

To simplify this expression, the order of operations dictates that the exponent must be resolved before any multiplication or division:

  1. Exponents first: Evaluate (2)3=(2)(2)(2)=8(-2)^3 = (-2)(-2)(-2) = -8. The expression becomes 18(4)÷(8)18(-4) \div (-8).
  2. Multiply: Moving left to right, compute the multiplication first: 18(4)=7218(-4) = -72 (different signs produce a negative product). The expression becomes 72÷(8)-72 \div (-8).
  3. Divide: Compute the final quotient: 72÷(8)=9-72 \div (-8) = 9 (same signs produce a positive quotient).

The simplified result is 99.

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Updated 2026-05-25

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