Intermediate Algebra, Chapter 1, Review Exercises, Section Review Exercises, Problem 44

Simplify the expression: $\displaystyle - \frac{2}{3} [5(-2) + 8 - 4^3]$


$
\begin{equation}
\begin{aligned}

- \frac{2}{3} [5(-2) + 8 - 4^3] =& - \frac{2}{3} [5(-2) + 8 - 64]
&& \text{Evaluate the power}
\\
\\
=& - \frac{2}{3} [-10 + 8 - 64]
&& \text{Multiply}
\\
\\
=& - \frac{2}{3} [-2-64]
&& \text{Subtract inside parentheses}
\\
\\
=& - \frac{2}{3} [-68]
&& \text{Subtract inside parentheses}
\\
\\
=& \frac{132}{3}
&& \text{Multiply}
\\
\\
=& 44
&& \text{Divide}

\end{aligned}
\end{equation}
$