Mathematics often feels like a puzzle, where each piece must fit perfectly to reveal the final picture. Let's break down the expression '3 - 3 × 6 + 2' step by step, ensuring we grasp not just how to solve it but also why it unfolds in this manner.
First, we encounter multiplication before addition or subtraction—this is a fundamental rule of arithmetic known as order of operations. So, our first task is to handle '3 × 6'. This gives us '18'. Now our equation transforms into:
3 - 18 + 2
Next up is subtraction. We take '3' and subtract '18', which leads us into negative territory:
-15 + 2
Finally, adding '2' brings us back toward zero:
-15 + 2 = -13
Thus, when all calculations are complete, we find that the answer is -13. It’s fascinating how numbers interact with one another through simple operations! Each calculation teaches us something new about balancing values and understanding relationships within mathematics.