2/5 - 7 * (-3)
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First, we solve the multiplication: 7 * (-3) = -21
Next, we divide -21 by 5: -21/5 = -4.2
Finally, we add 2 to -4.2: 2 + (-4.2) = -2.2
Therefore, 2/5 - 7 * (-3) = -2.2
To evaluate 2/5 - 7 * (-3), we can follow the order of operations, which states that we should perform any calculations inside parentheses first, then carry out any multiplication or division from left to right, and finally perform any addition or subtraction from left to right.
Let's break down the expression step by step:
1. Start with the multiplication: -7 * (-3) = 21
2. Now substitute the product in the expression: 2/5 - 21
3. Since we only have one operation left, which is subtraction, we can proceed to subtract the two numbers: 2/5 - 21 = 2/5 - 105/5
4. Next, we need to find a common denominator for the fractions. In this case, the common denominator is 5.
5. Convert the fractions to have the common denominator:
2/5 - 105/5 = 2/5 - 105/5
6. Now that the fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract their numerators while keeping the denominator the same:
2/5 - 105/5 = (2 - 105)/5 = -103/5
Therefore, 2/5 - 7 * (-3) simplifies to -103/5.