1.6. Order of operations

The order of operations for evaluation of an algebraic expression is a convention. It defines the precedence of operators. The conventional process for expression evaluation is as follows:

1. Simplify any expressions within grouping symbols, starting from the innermost pair when parentheses are nested.
2. Evaluate exponentials and radicals (fractional exponents).
3. Perform all multiplications and divisions left to right.
4. Perform all additions and subtractions from left to right.

(3 + √4)(2 - 3²) = (3 + 2)(2 - 9) = 5(-7) = -35