What is the result of simplifying the expression (42 + 6) x 9 - 32 + 16 ÷ 4 - 8?

To simplify the expression (42 + 6) x 9 - 32 + 16 ÷ 4 - 8, we start by following the order of operations, which is often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

First, we solve the expression inside the parentheses:

42 + 6 equals 48.

Next, we multiply that result by 9:

48 x 9 equals 432.

Now, we move on to the next part of the expression. We have:

432 - 32 + 16 ÷ 4 - 8.

Following the order, we perform the division next:

16 ÷ 4 equals 4.

Now, we rewrite the expression with that result:

432 - 32 + 4 - 8.

Next, we perform the addition and subtraction from left to right:

432 - 32 equals 400,

400 + 4 gives us 404,

finally, 404 - 8 equals 396.

The final result of the entire expression is 396, so the answer aligns with choice A. This demonstrates the importance of correctly applying the order