Evaluate 3(6 + 2).

Evaluate 3(6 + 2).

• A. 18
• B. 30
• C. 32
• D. 24

Answer: (D)

This is about the order of operations when parentheses are present. Always handle what's inside the parentheses first, then multiply. Inside the parentheses, 6 plus 2 equals 8. Then multiply by 3 to get 24. This approach follows the grouping shown by the parentheses and yields the correct result. If you multiplied first (3 times 6) and then added the 2, you’d get 18 plus 2, which is 20, not respecting the grouping. So the correct path is to add inside first, then multiply, giving 24.

This is about the order of operations when parentheses are present. Always handle what's inside the parentheses first, then multiply. Inside the parentheses, 6 plus 2 equals 8. Then multiply by 3 to get 24. This approach follows the grouping shown by the parentheses and yields the correct result. If you multiplied first (3 times 6) and then added the 2, you’d get 18 plus 2, which is 20, not respecting the grouping. So the correct path is to add inside first, then multiply, giving 24.