How to Solve Pre Algebra Problems
Pre-algebra classes prepare students for the mathematical work with variables and unknowns that they will encounter in algebra. Before you can learn to solve an algebraic equation, you must understand how to use a set of rules called "the order of operations" and evaluate an expression. Expressions are different from equations in that they do not contain an equal sign and only have one "side." To solve pre-algebra problems, follow these steps to the order of operations and you will arrive at a number answer.
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Instructions
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1
Locate any parentheses in the problem. Perform any addition, subtraction, multiplication or division that appears inside these parentheses. Recopy the problem with each answer inside each set of parentheses. For instance, you would rewrite 3(2+10) + 32/4^2 - (8-3) + (5-3)^3 as 3(12) + 32/4^2 - (5) + (2)^3.
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Look to see if there are any numbers placed directly to the left of a set of parentheses. If there are no other operation signs present, the parenthesis tells you to multiply this number by whatever is inside the parenthesis. For example, 3(12) would turn into 36. You should also perform any exponents (also called powers) that appear just to the right of parenthesis at this time. So, (2)^3 (2 to the third power) would become 8.
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3
Recopy the problem with the multiplication or exponent answers and, in doing so, get rid of the parentheses. Also eliminate any other parentheses with addition or subtraction signs in front of them. So, 3(12) + 32/4^2 - (5) + (2)^3 would turn into 36 + 32/4^2 - 5 + 8. At this point, there should be no parentheses left.
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Identify any exponents/powers and perform them. Recopy the problem replacing the math that you did with your answers. You would rewrite 36 + 32/4^2 - 5 + 8 and replace the 4^2 with 16 so that the problem would look like this: 36 + 32/16 - 5 + 8.
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Do any multiplication or division operations that you find in the problem. The order in which you perform them does not matter. In this case, 32/16 would become 2 and the entire problem would read: 36 + 2 - 5 + 8.
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Finally, add or subtract the remaining numbers from left to right. 36 + 2 = 38, 38 - 5 = 33 and 33 + 8 = 41, which is the answer to the evaluated problem.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember the basic order by thinking of this list: parentheses, powers, multiplication/division, addition/subtraction.
