How to Solve Math Sequences
Solving math equations can be confusing if you do not know there is an order to complete them in, called a sequence. Following the simple rules of math sequences will help you to be able to complete and figure for most any math problem.
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Instructions
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How To Solve Math Sequences
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1
Write down this complicated math problem: (9+3)2-4(6/2)=X. You must go in a specific order to find the correct answer to the equation. First you will solve for anything in parenthesis. So using your calculator, add 9 to 3, and write this directly under your problem. Your answer should be 12. Your problem should look like this: (9+3)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(6/2).
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2
Solve for the next portion of the problem in parenthesis, which is 6 divided by 2. Use your calculator to solve this portion. Your answer should be 3. Write this directly beneath this part of the problem on your paper. Your answer problem should now look like this:(9+3)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(3).
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3
Multiply the answer from (9+3) by 2 with your calculator. This is the first half of the equation, and your answer should be 24. Write this directly under this portion of the problem on your paper. Your problem should look like this on your paper:(9+3)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(3)24-4(3).
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4
Multiply 4 by 3, which is the last portion of the end of the equation on your calculator. Your answer should be 12. Write this on your paper directly under the portion of the problem it corresponds to. Your problem shouold look like this:(9+3)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(3)24-4(3)24-12.
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5
Use your calculator to subtract 12 from 24 as the last step of this problem. Your answer should be 12. Write this underneath the last portion of your equation. The answer for X is 12 according to this equation and the steps you took to solve it. Your paper should now look like this:(9+3)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(6/2)(12)2-4(3)24-4(3)24-1212.
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Tips & Warnings
Always solve for brackets, parenthesis, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction in that order. This will give you the proper sequence for finding the answer to any mathematical equation. If you have exponents in your problem, they should be completed before your brackets are solved. When writing your answers out on paper, you should always go to the next line and write your answer directly beneath the part of the equation you just solved for. Then you should write the rest of the equation on the line with it so you do not get confused as to what part of the problem you just did. For each answer you get, there should be a new line with a new equation on it.
