Can two parenthesis be right by each other, or does it have to be a bracket?

Question

I am starting pre-algerbra in my 6th grade class, and I need your help. Here is the problem, I can't skip any steps or do shortcuts to solve it.


3[6(12-3)] -17
Here is the part I am stuck on. Once I subtract 12-3 (parenthesis first) what do I do with the brackets? Leave them or change them into parenthesis?

Answer 1

Brackets are functionally equivalent to parentheses. They have to match though . . . [2) is not a valid expression. You simplify by going from the innermost expression to the outermost. For example:

[([((5+1)*2)/2]+1)+17]
=[([(6*2)/2]+1)+17]
=[([12/2]+1)+17]
=[(6+1)+17]
=[7+17]
=24

Good night!

Answer 2

parenthesis first then do whats inside the brackets so

so 12-3=9
3[6(9)]-17
3[54]-17
the brackets around the 54 mean nothing. the only way you would use them is if you have a negative number. if you had a negative number you would just change it to make it positive.
162-17
145

Answer 3

What do you mean? ..

First you subtract 12 from 3. Then, you multiply 6 to your answer.
After, you multiply 3 to your answer. Finally, take your answer and subtract 17 from it.

12 - 3 = 9
6 * 9 = 54
54 * 3 = 162
162 - 17 = 145

Answer 4

first subtract 12 and 3, then multiply that by 6, then multiply that answer by 3, and subtract 17

Answer 5

do the parenthesis first and then do the brackets
it would be like this

3[6(12-3)] -17
3[54] -17
162-17
145