\( ( 7 \times 3 ) - 9 + 4 \quad 7 \times 3 - ( 9 + 4 ) \)

Let's evaluate both expressions step by step to understand how the placement of parentheses affects the result. ### Expression 1: \[ (7 \times 3) - 9 + 4 \] **Step-by-Step Calculation:** 1. **Parentheses First:** \(7 \times 3 = 21\) 2. **Subtraction and Addition:** \(21 - 9 = 12\) \(12 + 4 = 16\) **Result:** \[ (7 \times 3) - 9 + 4 = 16 \] --- ### Expression 2: \[ 7 \times 3 - (9 + 4) \] **Step-by-Step Calculation:** 1. **Parentheses First:** \(9 + 4 = 13\) 2. **Multiplication and Subtraction:** \(7 \times 3 = 21\) \(21 - 13 = 8\) **Result:** \[ 7 \times 3 - (9 + 4) = 8 \] --- ### **Comparison:** - **First Expression:** \( (7 \times 3) - 9 + 4 = 16 \) - **Second Expression:** \( 7 \times 3 - (9 + 4) = 8 \) The difference arises from how the parentheses group the operations: - In the **first expression**, the multiplication is performed first, followed by the subtraction and then the addition. - In the **second expression**, the addition inside the parentheses is performed after the multiplication, which changes the order of operations and leads to a different result. **Key Takeaway:** Parentheses dictate the order in which operations are performed. Changing their placement can significantly alter the outcome of an expression.