X = [ ( 2Y + 3) ( Z - 2) ] / ( B + A )

Answer:

Yes, it is correct as algebra (but not as a QBasic statement, however). Every right bracket has a matching left bracket of the same type, and "inside" brackets match "inside" brackets.

Underlining to show Matching Brackets

Here is the algebraic equation again, this time with the matching parts underlined:

X = [( 2Y + 3) ( Z - 2)] / ( B + A )
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In algebra, expressions are made by combining sub-expressions. In the example, ( 2Y + 3), ( Z - 2), and ( B + A ) are sub-expressions. A larger sub-expression

[( 2Y + 3) ( Z - 2)]

is built up using two of these sub-expressions, as the parentheses and brackets show. The final expression is made by combining the larger sub-expression with the sub-expression ( B + A ). The brackets and parentheses show how this was done. Without brackets and parentheses, the structure of the expression would be lost:

X = 2 Y + 3  Z - 2  /  B + A 

The brackets of QBasic play much the same role.

QUESTION 20:

Is the following ALGEBRA correct? Try underlining the parts grouped together by matching parentheses.

Z = [ ( Z - 2 ) + 3 ]  / { (X + 3) (Z + B) }

(Don't figure out what it means.)