Question

Evaluate the expression. \(2-11+5-(-16)\)

Short answer

The value of the given expression \(2-11+5-(-16)\) is 12.

Step-by-step solution

Re-arrange the expression

One might find it easier to deal with addition before subtraction. Therefore, re-arrange the expression so that it is easier to handle: \(2 + 5 + 16 - 11\).

Perform Addition

The expression from Step 1, \(2 + 5 + 16 - 11\), has two addition operations. Apply addition first: \(2+5=7\) and \(7+16=23\). Now, the expression from Step 1 has been simplified to \(23 - 11\).

Perform Subtraction

Now, subtract 11 from 23, based on the simplified expression in Step 2. So, \(23 - 11 = 12\).