Which expression equals 32?

• A. (9-3)² ÷ 9
• B. (5+2³)×3
• C. 999.9 ÷ 33
• D. (5+3)² ÷ 2

Answer: (D)

Evaluating expressions with the order of operations and exponents. Do inside the parentheses first, then apply any exponents, then handle multiplication or division from left to right.

For the expression (5+3)² ÷ 2, start inside the parentheses: 5+3 = 8. Then square it: 8² = 64. Finally, divide by 2: 64 ÷ 2 = 32. That gives 32.

Check the others: (9-3)² ÷ 9 becomes (6)² ÷ 9 = 36 ÷ 9 = 4, not 32. (5+2³)×3 becomes 2³ = 8, so 5+8 = 13, then 13×3 = 39, not 32. 999.9 ÷ 33 equals 30.3, not 32.

So the expression that yields 32 is the one where you add, square, then divide.