Example

Simplifying 8(31)98 - (-3 - 1) - 9

To simplify the expression 8(31)98 - (-3 - 1) - 9, the order of operations dictates that the expression inside the parentheses must be evaluated first:

  1. Simplify inside the parentheses: Compute the subtraction 31=4-3 - 1 = -4. The full expression becomes 8(4)98 - (-4) - 9.
  2. Subtract left to right (first operation): Subtracting 4-4 is the same as adding 44, so 8(4)=8+4=128 - (-4) = 8 + 4 = 12. The expression is now 12912 - 9.
  3. Subtract left to right (second operation): Complete the final subtraction: 129=312 - 9 = 3.

The fully simplified answer is 33.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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