Let's simplify the given expression [tex]\( 2 + 3 - 4 + (5 \times 4) \)[/tex] by applying the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
1. Parentheses: First, evaluate the expression inside the parentheses.
[tex]\[
5 \times 4 = 20
\][/tex]
So, the expression now looks like:
[tex]\[
2 + 3 - 4 + 20
\][/tex]
2. Addition and Subtraction (from left to right): Now, we handle the remaining operations from left to right.
- Start with the first addition:
[tex]\[
2 + 3 = 5
\][/tex]
The expression becomes:
[tex]\[
5 - 4 + 20
\][/tex]
- Next, perform the subtraction:
[tex]\[
5 - 4 = 1
\][/tex]
Now the expression is:
[tex]\[
1 + 20
\][/tex]
- Finally, perform the last addition:
[tex]\[
1 + 20 = 21
\][/tex]
Thus, the simplified value of the expression [tex]\( 2 + 3 - 4 + (5 \times 4) \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{21} \)[/tex].
So, the correct answer is:
D) 21
