Questions: -3^2 + -15 + 4

Transcript text: $-3^{2}+-15+4$

Solution

Solution Steps

To solve the expression $-3^2 + (-15) + 4$, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). First, we handle the exponentiation, then the addition and subtraction from left to right.

Step 1: Evaluate the Exponentiation

First, we need to evaluate the exponentiation in the expression $-3^2$. According to the order of operations, exponentiation is performed before multiplication and addition/subtraction.

\[ -3^2 = -(3^2) = -9 \]

Step 2: Perform the Addition and Subtraction

Next, we substitute $-9$ into the expression and perform the addition and subtraction from left to right:

\[ -9 + (-15) + 4 \]

First, add $-9$ and $-15$:

\[ -9 + (-15) = -24 \]

Then, add $-24$ and $4$:

\[ -24 + 4 = -20 \]