Question

We could evaluate the expression 2(20+7) + 3(50+2) using the traditional order of operations, or we could use the distributive property. Do you think it would be more efficient to evaluate using the distributive property, or is it more efficient to use order of operations? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

It is more efficient to use order of operations because with the distributive property, you would have to multiply four times and add once (5 things to do), whereas with order of operations, you have to add twice and multiply twice (4 things to do).

Explanation: