Which of the following numbers is equal to 15 + 3(7 + 1) - 12

Rationale

15 + 3(7 + 1) - 12 equals 27.

To solve the expression, we first evaluate the parentheses, then apply multiplication, and finally carry out the addition and subtraction in sequence. The calculations yield a final result of 27.

A (21) YOUR ANSWER

This option incorrectly simplifies the expression. The calculation of 15 + 3(7 + 1) - 12 results in 27, not 21. The addition and multiplication were not applied correctly, leading to an underestimation of the final value.

B (25) YOUR ANSWER

Choosing 25 suggests a miscalculation in either the addition or the multiplication steps. The correct evaluation of the expression shows that after computing 3(7 + 1) as 24, the final result when subtracting 12 from 15 + 24 does not yield 25.

C (27) CORRECT

This is the correct answer. The operations performed give us 15 + 3(8) - 12. First, we multiply 3 by 8 to get 24, then add 15 to get 39, and finally subtract 12, resulting in 27.

D (172) YOUR ANSWER

This choice indicates a substantial overestimation of the result. The calculations performed in the expression do not support such a high number, as applying the correct order of operations clearly shows that the final answer is significantly lower than 172.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expression 15 + 3(7 + 1) - 12 simplifies correctly to 27 through proper evaluation of operations, including parentheses, multiplication, and sequential addition and subtraction. The other choices reflect either miscalculations or incorrect interpretations of the order of operations, emphasizing the importance of following mathematical rules accurately.

Which of the following numbers is equal to 15 + 3(7 + 1) - 12

15 + 3(7 + 1) - 12 equals 27.

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