What is the step-by-step solution to 143 + 305 * 70?
Executive summary
The correct evaluation of 143 + 305 * 70 follows standard order-of-operations rules: perform multiplication before addition, so compute 305 × 70 = 21,350 and then add 143 to get 21,493 (order-of-operations conventions described by multiple calculators and guides [1] [2] [3]). Online PEMDAS/Order-of-Operations tools show the same stepwise approach and can display intermediate steps on demand [4] [5].
1. Multiply before you add — the rule that decides the result
Mathematics uses a convention — commonly called PEMDAS, BEDMAS or BODMAS — that ranks operations so expressions are unambiguous: parentheses, exponents, then multiplication/division (left-to-right), and finally addition/subtraction (left-to-right) (Purplemath explains the ranking as “parentheses, exponents, multiply/divide, add/subtract” [2]; encyclopedic overviews of order-of-operations make the same point [6]). That rule tells you to evaluate 305 70 before adding 143. Calculators and order-of-operations solvers apply this exact sequence when showing steps [5] [3].
**2. Step-by-step arithmetic you can follow on paper or with a solver**
Apply the convention directly: first compute the multiplication 305 × 70. Multiplying 305 by 70 yields 21,350; then add 143 to that product to get 21,493. Multiple online step-by-step PEMDAS/order-of-operations calculators will show these same two stages when you enter the expression 143 + 305 70 (examples of such calculators include Mathisfun’s order-of-operations tool and Symbolab’s PEMDAS solver which display intermediate steps) [4] [5] [3].
3. Why some people still get such problems wrong
Misinterpretation usually comes from reading strictly left-to-right and adding before noticing the multiplication; classroom reminders and worksheet practice emphasize that math is not always left-to-right and that multiplication has priority (free guides and worksheets stress this distinction) [7] [8]. Order-of-operations calculators and tutorials exist precisely because a naive left-to-right read can produce incorrect answers — the calculators enforce the ranked rules and show the correct intermediate values [4] [5].
4. Tools to verify and learn the procedure
If you want confirmation or to see the arithmetic shown line-by-line, numerous online tools will evaluate the expression and display the work: Mathisfun’s order-of-operations calculator and related PEMDAS solvers, Symbolab, Calculatorsoup and other PEMDAS-specific calculators provide step-by-step demonstrations [4] [5] [3] [9]. These resources also explain the broader convention so learners understand why multiplication comes first [1] [2].
5. Alternate viewpoints and limitations in reporting
All cited sources present the same operational hierarchy; there are no competing professional conventions in basic arithmetic for this expression. Available sources do not mention any alternate rule that would justify adding 143 before multiplying 305 by 70 [1] [2] [3]. Limitations: my summary relies on order-of-operations guides and online calculators in the provided set; I do not cite a specific printed textbook example here because the provided search results are web-based tools and explanatory pages [4] [5] [3].
6. Final, explicit calculation and takeaway
Following the standard order-of-operations: 305 × 70 = 21,350; 143 + 21,350 = 21,493. If you want to see these steps visually or confirm with automated work shown step-by-step, enter the expression into any of the order-of-operations calculators cited above (Mathisfun, Symbolab, Calculatorsoup) and they will reproduce the same result and intermediate arithmetic [4] [5] [3].