Question

Place one set of parentheses in order to make the following equation equal 24:

15 + 4 - 18 ÷ 3 x 2 - 3 + 12 ÷ 4 + 8 = 24

Answer 1

To make the equation equal to 24 by placing one set of parentheses, you can group the terms in the following way:

(15 + 4 - 18 ÷ 3) x 2 - 3 + (12 ÷ 4 + 8) = 24

By grouping the terms in this manner, you ensure that the operations inside the parentheses are performed first, according to the order of operations.

Answer 2

Answer and Step-by-step explanation:

15 + 4 - 18 ÷ 3 x 2 - 3 + 12 ÷ 4 + 8 = 24

The current order of operations would produce the following

15+4 - (18÷3)(2) - 3 + (12÷4) + 8

19 - (6)(2) - 3 + (3) +8

19-12-3+3+8

15

So thinking it though how can you increase that number to 24. Where could you place the parenthesis so that the outcome is greater.

Try this

15 + 4 - 18 ÷ (3 x 2 - 3) + 12 ÷ 4 + 8 = 24

15+4- 18 ÷ (6-3) + 3+8

15+4 - 18÷(3) + 3 + 8

15+4 - 6 + 3 + 8

24