- Evaluate the expression from left to right.
- Calculate \(5 - 13 = -8\).
- Add 8 to the result: \(-8 + 8 = 0\).
- Subtract 3 from the result: \(0 - 3 = -3\).
- The final answer is \(\boxed{-3}\).
Explanation
- Problem Analysis
The objective is to simplify the arithmetic expression \(5 - 13 + 8 - 3\). The expression involves only addition and subtraction, which follow the order of operations from left to right. We will proceed by evaluating the expression step-by-step.
- Calculating the First Part
We start by evaluating the first part of the expression: \(5 - 13\).
Subtracting 13 from 5 results in:
\[5 - 13 = -8\]
- Calculating the Second Part
Next, we add 8 to our previous result:
\[-8 + 8 = 0\]
- Calculating the Final Part
Finally, we subtract 3 from our current result:
\[0 - 3 = -3\]
Thus, the final simplified value of the expression is \(-3\).
Examples
When managing a small budget, tracking expenses and income is essential. For example, if you start with \$5, spend \$13, earn \$8, and then spend another \$3, your total balance is represented by the expression \(5 - 13 + 8 - 3\). Calculating this accurately helps you keep track of your finances in everyday situations, ensuring you know exactly how much money remains in your account.