131x2+242x2

less than a minute read 01-03-2025

Solving the Math Problem: 131 x 2 + 242 x 2

This article will guide you step-by-step through solving the mathematical expression: 131 x 2 + 242 x 2. We'll break down the problem, explain the order of operations, and arrive at the final answer. Understanding this type of problem is crucial for building a strong foundation in arithmetic.

Step 1: Understanding the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)

Before we begin, it's important to remember the order of operations, often remembered by the acronyms PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) or BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction). In this case, we need to perform the multiplication operations before the addition.

Step 2: Performing the Multiplications

Let's tackle the multiplication parts of the equation separately:

131 x 2 = 262 We multiply 131 by 2 to get 262.
242 x 2 = 484 Similarly, multiplying 242 by 2 gives us 484.

Step 3: Performing the Addition

Now that we've completed the multiplications, we can move on to the addition:

262 + 484 = 746 Adding the results of our multiplication steps (262 and 484) gives us the final answer.

Step 4: The Final Answer

Therefore, the solution to the mathematical expression 131 x 2 + 242 x 2 is 746.

Alternative Method: Factoring

We can also solve this problem using a slightly more efficient method involving factoring:

Notice that both terms share a common factor of 2. We can rewrite the expression as:

2 * (131 + 242)

Now, we add the numbers inside the parentheses:

131 + 242 = 373

Finally, we multiply by 2:

2 * 373 = 746

This method arrives at the same answer, 746, but demonstrates a useful technique for simplifying similar problems. This approach is particularly helpful when dealing with larger numbers or more complex expressions.

Conclusion

Solving 131 x 2 + 242 x 2 requires a clear understanding of the order of operations. By following the steps outlined above – performing multiplication before addition – we arrive at the correct answer of 746. Remember, mastering these fundamental arithmetic principles is key to success in more advanced mathematical concepts. The factoring method provides an alternative, potentially more efficient approach for similar problems.