Question

Evaluate 5a+3b and (5+a)(3+b) for a=2 and b=4. How is the order of the steps different for the two expressions?

Answer 1

5a+3b
5(2)+3(4)
10+12
22

(5+a)(3+b)
(5+2)(3+4)
(7)(7)
49

The order of the steps differ for the two expressions because for the first expression, you multiply 5a and 3b first. Then, you add them together. However, for the second expression, you add what's inside the parenthesis first then multiply them. So, the order of the steps is the opposite of the other expression.