Step by step
The question
Question: work out −2² + 3 × 4.
−22 + 3 × 4
1 Powers
Powers come before plus and times.
In −2², the power is only on the 2.
The minus stays in front.
Order: ( ) → x² √ → × ÷ → + −
Careful!
It is not (−2)².
Without brackets, the minus stays outside.
Careful: not −22 = 4 ✗
2² means 2 times 2.
22 = 2 × 2 = 4
That is 4.
= −4 + 3 × 4
2 Times and divide
Times comes before plus.
3 times 4 is 12.
= −4 + 12
3 Plus and minus
Start at −4.
Go up 12.
We land on 8.
= 8
So the answer is 8.
Let's look back.
First: powers.
Then: times and divide.
Last: plus and minus.
Answer
= 8