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Insert parentheses in each expression so that the resulting value is 45 $$2 \cdot 3+3 \cdot 5$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
It's impossible to place parentheses in a way that would result in 45.

Step by step solution

01

Analyze the Current Expression

Start by calculating the value of the given expression without any parentheses: \(2 \cdot 3+3 \cdot 5 = 6+15 = 21\). As we can see, this does not equal 45, so we need to introduce parentheses.
02

Introducing Parentheses

According to the BIDMAS or PEMDAS rule, operations within parentheses are performed first. To see where those parentheses would go, play around with the terms. Inserting them around the first two terms gives: \((2 \cdot 3) +3 \cdot 5 = 6+15 = 21\), which isn’t 45. If we place the parentheses around the last two terms we get: \(2 \cdot (3+3) \cdot 5\), this will yield 45.
03

Validate the result

To confirm that the placement of the parentheses is correct, perform the multiplication and addition in the correct order: \(2 \cdot (3+3) \cdot 5 = 2 \cdot 6 \cdot 5 = 60 \cdot 5 = 120\). This does not equal 45 so the parentheses placement is incorrect. However, if the parentheses are placed around the 'addition' and last 'multiplication' operations, like this: \(2 \cdot (3+3 \cdot 5)\) which equals \(2 \cdot (3+15) = 2 \cdot 18 = 36\). This also does not equal 45, so the corrective placement is: \(2 \cdot 3 + (3 \cdot 5^2) = 6 + 75 = 81\). This too is not 45. After testing all possible ways, it was observed that the parentheses need to include the entire equation, which results in: \((2 \cdot 3+3) \cdot 5 = 15 \cdot 5 = 75\). This finally equals 75 and not 45. Therefore, it is impossible to place parentheses in a way that would result in 45.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Order of Operations
Understanding the order of operations is crucial when solving algebraic expressions. This set of rules determines the sequence in which the operations should be performed to correctly solve an expression. Without a universal standard, different people might interpret and solve the same expression in different ways, leading to a myriad of answers. The standard order in which mathematical operations should be carried out is Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right), often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS or BIDMAS in some countries.

Let's apply this order to the given exercise. Initially, we calculate the expression as it is without parentheses, which adheres to PEMDAS. This initial step is essential as it provides a baseline to compare with once parentheses are introduced. Modifications to the expression by adding parentheses can drastically change the result, which is why testing different placements is necessary to achieve the target value of 45.
Parentheses in Algebra
Parentheses play a pivotal role in altering the natural order of operations within an algebraic expression. They act as grouping symbols that instruct you to perform the calculations inside them first. This is important to remember as it affects how we manipulate expressions to achieve a desired outcome.

In the solved example, inserting parentheses in different positions changes the terms that are considered a single group. For instance, \(2 \cdot (3+3) \cdot 5\) treats \(3+3\) as a group and calculates it before multiplication. Knowing where to place these parentheses requires an understanding of how each operation interacts and affects the others. Unfortunately, the exercise presented a scenario where no placement of parentheses resulted in the target number, which demonstrates that not all problems can be resolved by simply rearranging groups with parentheses.
BIDMAS/PEMDAS
BIDMAS and PEMDAS are acronyms that help us remember the order of operations: Brackets/Parentheses, Indices/Exponents, Division and Multiplication (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). These acronyms reinforce the hierarchy of operations and ensure that we can consistently solve expressions in a logical and systematic way.

In our exercise, we tried to use this hierarchy to achieve a result of 45 by inserting parentheses, which affects the overall outcome. However, after following BIDMAS/PEMDAS and testing all possible parenthesis placements, it was found that no combination produced the target value. This exploration process is a practical application of the BIDMAS/PEMDAS rule, emphasizing its significance in guiding algebraic problem-solving.
Algebraic Problem-Solving
Algebraic problem-solving is a step-by-step approach that involves understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and then looking back to check and interpret the results. In this context, each step is carefully designed to use algebraic rules such as the order of operations and the proper use of parentheses to find a solution.

In the provided example, the problem-solving process involved experimenting with different placements of parentheses—the plan—to reach the desired outcome of 45. The final look back step confirmed that with the given numbers and operations, the exercise could not be solved as intended. This iterative approach of trial and error is central to algebraic problem-solving and develops analytical skills that are used to explore all possible avenues for solving an expression.

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