3(2+3)-7+8/2
I got 4, but the book is telling me its 12. help please?

Question

gw2011 · Answer

(3)(5)-7+4=15-7+4=12

anonymous · Answer

6+9-7+4
15-7+4
12

anonymous · Answer

Assuming Muse knows basic fact, the question is the order of evaluation.  Division before addition.  Everything within parentheses before anything outside.  Muse, how did you compute 4?

anonymous · Answer

heres what I did: 
3(2+3)-7+8/2
3(5)-7+8/2
15-7+8/2
15-7+4
15-11=4

anonymous · Answer

distribute 3 to the 2 and 3 within the parenthesis. you will get 6+9-7+8/2. afterwards, divide 8 by 2. you will get 4 as an answer; 6+9-7+4. solve left to right and you will get:
6+9=15
15-7=8
8+4=12
12 is the correct answer.

anonymous · Answer

oh I see. so I added 7+4 when I was suppose to actually subtract 15-11 first.

anonymous · Answer

was I suppose to follow the PEMDAS rule on this problem, or did it not need apply?