Simplifying Expressions With Decimals and Fractions

Learning Outcomes

  • Simplify expressions containing decimals and fractions using the order of operations

The order of operations introduced in an earlier lesson also applies to expressions involving decimals and fractions.

Order of Operations

  • Perform all operations within grouping symbols first. Grouping symbols include ( ), [ ] and { }. If there are nested groupings, evaluate within the innermost grouping symbols first.
  • Evaluate exponents and radicals (such as square roots).
  • Multiply and divide, left to right.
  • Add and subtract, left to right.

example

Simplify the expressions:
1. [latex]7\left(18.3 - 21.7\right)[/latex]
2. [latex]{\Large\frac{2}{3}}\left(8.3 - 3.8\right)[/latex]

try it

For more examples similar to the ones above, watch the following video.

example

Simplify each expression:
1. [latex]6\div 0.6+\left(0.2\right)4-{\left(0.1\right)}^{2}[/latex]
2. [latex]{\left({\Large\frac{1}{10}}\right)}^{2}+\left(3.5\right)\left(0.9\right)[/latex]

try it

The following video contains more examples of how to use the order of operations to simplify expressions with decimals.