Question

What is the value of \( [26 + \{42(23 - 20) + 2 - (2(5 \times 80 - 100)) + 16 - 4\}] \)?

• A. \(-434 \)
• B. \(434 \)
• C. \(-443 \)
• D. \(-453 \)

Hint:

Always perform multiplication inside a bracket before subtraction! Notice how the sign changes when removing the plus sign before the negative curly brace result.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) rule determines the sequence of operations. Resolve nested brackets from the innermost outward.
Step 1: Solve the innermost brackets.

• \((23 - 20) = 3\)
• \((5 \times 80 - 100) = (400 - 100) = 300\)

Step 2: Solve the curly braces \(\{ \dots \}\).
\(\{42(3) + 2 - (2(300)) + 16 - 4\}\)
\(= \{126 + 2 - 600 + 16 - 4\}\)
\(= \{144 - 604\} = -460\)

Step 3: Final addition.
\([26 + (-460)] = 26 - 460 = -434\).