Step by step
The question
Question: work out (4.8 + 3.6) ÷ 2.1.
(4.8 + 3.6) ÷ 2.1
1 Brackets first
Everyone uses the same order, so we all get the same answer.
Brackets come first.
Order: ( ) → × ÷ → + −
We write 4.8 on top and 3.6 under it, with the points in line.
8 + 6 = 14.
We write 4 and carry the 1 to the next column.
The point goes straight down.
1 + 4 + 3 = 8.
4.8 plus 3.6 is 8.4.
= 8.4 ÷ 2.1
2 Times and divide
Dividing by a decimal is hard.
So we move the point 1 place to the right in both numbers.
That is times 10 for both, so the answer stays the same.
In 8.4, the point jumps 1 place to the right.
It becomes 84.
In 2.1, the point jumps 1 place to the right.
It becomes 21.
8.4 → 84
2.1 → 21
8.4 becomes 84.
2.1 becomes 21.
= 84 ÷ 21
84 divided by 21 is 4.
= 4
So the answer is 4.
Let's look back.
First: brackets.
Last: times and divide.
Answer
= 4