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ASVAB · General

Evaluate: 6 + 3 × 4 − 2

Correct answer

16

  1. A 34
  2. B 16
  3. C 28
  4. D 20

Why this is the answer

Use ORDER OF OPERATIONS (PEMDAS): multiplication before addition/subtraction. 3 × 4 = 12 first. Then: 6 + 12 − 2 = 18 − 2 = 16. ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge tests order of operations. PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). COMMON ERROR: working strictly left to right (6 + 3 = 9, × 4 = 36, − 2 = 34) is WRONG — multiplication must come before addition. The correct answer is 16. Always do multiplication/division before addition/subtraction.
Source: ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge — Order of Operations

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