To simplify the expression [tex]\( 40 - 2 \cdot 3^2 \)[/tex], we need to follow the order of operations, sometimes remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
1. Calculate the exponent first:
[tex]\( 3^2 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 3 \cdot 3 \)[/tex], which equals 9.
So the expression now is:
[tex]\[
40 - 2 \cdot 9
\][/tex]
2. Perform the multiplication next:
[tex]\( 2 \cdot 9 \)[/tex] equals 18.
So the expression now is:
[tex]\[
40 - 18
\][/tex]
3. Finally, perform the subtraction:
[tex]\( 40 - 18 \)[/tex] equals 22.
So, the simplified result of the expression [tex]\( 40 - 2 \cdot 3^2 \)[/tex] is 22.
