Work out 2.5² + √12.25.

Step by step

The question

Question: work out 2.5² + √12.25.

1 Powers

Everyone uses the same order, so we all get the same answer.

Powers come before plus.

2.5² means 2.5 times 2.5.

That is 6.25.

2 Square roots

Square roots come before plus.

√12.25 asks: which positive number times itself makes 12.25?

3.5 times 3.5 is 12.25.

So √12.25 is 3.5.

3 Plus and minus

We write 6.25 on top and 3.5 under it, with the points in line.

We fill the gap with a 0: 3.5 is the same as 3.50.

A 0 at the end does not change the number.

5 + 0 = 5.

2 + 5 = 7.

The point goes straight down.

6 + 3 = 9.

6.25 plus 3.5 is 9.75.

So the answer is 9.75.

Let's look back.

First: powers.

Then: square roots.

Last: plus and minus.