Question

Find the value of the following:
(– 36) + (+ 12) =
(a) + 24
(b) 27
(c) – 24
(d) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: First of all, try to recollect the BODMAS rule in which B is a bracket, O is of, D is division, M is multiplication, A is addition and S is subtraction. So, first of all, solve the bracket of expression given in the equation, then operate addition and subtraction.

Complete step-by-step answer:
In this question, we have to find the value of (– 36) + (+ 12). Before proceeding with this question, we must know what the BODMAS rule is. BODMAS is an acronym and it stands for Bracket Of Division Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. It explains the order of the operations to solve an expression. According to BODMAS rule, if an expression contains brackets ((), {}, []) we have to first solve or simplify the bracket followed by (Powers and roots, etc), then division, multiplication, addition and subtraction from left to right. Here, the ‘of’ in the BODMAS full form is also called ‘Order’ which refers to the numbers which involve powers, square roots, etc.

Let us consider the expression given in the question as E = (– 36) + (+ 12). We know that according to BODMAS rule, first of all, we must solve the bracket of the above expression. We know that according to the arithmetic rule, + (+ a) = + a. By using this in the above expression, we get, E = (– 36) + 12
Also, we know that (– a) = – a. By using this in the above expression, we get E = – 36 + 12.
By simplifying the above expression, we get E = – 24.
So, the value of (– 36) + (+ 12) = – 24.
Hence, the option (c) is the right answer.

Note: Here students must remember the BODMAS rule and basic arithmetic rules like (– (– a)) = a, (+ (+ a)) = a, – (+ a) = – a and + (– a) = – a. These rules are very important for almost every area of Mathematics. So, there should be no confusion while solving the question involving these questions. Also, always solve the problem according to BODMAS rule, solving it in the wrong order will result in the wrong answer.