The original expression equals $$8 + 4 \times 4 = 8 + 16 = 24$$. Using the distributive property, $$4 \times(6 - 2) = 4 \times 6 - 4 \times 2$$, so choice B gives $$8 + 24 - 8 = 24$$. Choice A gives $$12 \times 6 - 2 = 70$$. Choice C gives $$12 \times 4 = 48$$. Choice D gives $$32 + 6 - 2 = 36$$.

Grouping symbols affect the order of operations, handling nested ones from inside out. Evaluate the innermost parentheses first, then the brackets. This changes the result by ensuring subtraction after multiplication inside. For pencils, $3 \times[20 - (4 \times 2)] = 3 \times[20 - 8] = 3 \times 12 = 36$. People might mistakenly ignore nesting and do 20-4 first, but order matters. Grouping symbols are key for complex expressions in packing or building. They provide structure and avoid errors in multi-step problems.

When you see an expression with multiple operations and grouping symbols like brackets and parentheses, you need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS). This means working from the inside out: parentheses first, then brackets, then multiplication and division from left to right, and finally addition and subtraction from left to right.

Let's solve $$2 \times[15 - (3 + 4)] + 6$$ step by step. Start with the innermost parentheses: $(3 + 4) = 7$. Now the expression becomes $$2 \times[15 - 7] + 6$$. Next, solve what's inside the brackets: $15 - 7 = 8$. This gives us $$2 \times 8 + 6$$. Now multiply: $2 \times 8 = 16$. Finally, add: $16 + 6 = 22$.

Looking at the wrong answers: Choice A (20) likely comes from incorrectly calculating $2 \times[15 - (3 + 4)] = 2 \times[15 - 7] = 2 \times 8 = 16$, then mistakenly adding only 4 instead of 6. Choice B (16) represents stopping after the multiplication step and forgetting to add the final 6. Choice C (28) probably results from adding before multiplying, calculating $(15 - 7) + 6 = 14$, then multiplying by 2.

The correct answer is D (22 stickers).

Remember this strategy: when you see nested grouping symbols, always work from the inside out and follow PEMDAS strictly. Write down each step to avoid losing track of where you are in a complex expression.

Working inside out: First bracket: $$4 \times 3 = 12$$, then $$20 - 12 = 8$$. Second bracket: $$5 + 3 = 8$$, then $$2 \times 8 = 16$$. Finally: $$8 + 16 = 24$$. Choice A incorrectly calculates the second bracket as 10. Choice C stops at the first bracket calculation. Choice D makes an error in the final addition.

The original expression $$12 + 3 \times(8 - 5) + 2$$ equals $$12 + 3 \times 3 + 2 = 12 + 9 + 2 = 23$$. Choice C gives $$12 + 3 \times(8 - 5 + 2) = 12 + 3 \times 5 = 12 + 15 = 27$$, which is different. Choice A changes the structure too much by affecting multiplication. Choice B doesn't add parentheses, it moves them. Choice D also changes the structure too dramatically.

Working from the innermost grouping outward: $$12 \div 3 = 4$$. Then $$[(4) + 2] = 6$$. Next $${6 \times 2} = 12$$. Finally $$12 - 4 = 8$$. Choice B forgets the final subtraction. Choice C incorrectly calculates one of the intermediate steps as 8 instead of 6. Choice D makes an error in the multiplication step.

Grouping symbols like braces, brackets, and parentheses affect the order in which we perform operations in an expression. We always evaluate the operations inside the innermost grouping symbols first, then brackets, then braces. This changes the result by nesting operations, making {25 - 15} = 10 after 3 × 5. For example, in {25 - [3 × (4 + 1)]}, we add inside parentheses, multiply inside brackets, subtract inside braces. A common misconception is to ignore the order of symbols and evaluate outward first, but we start innermost. Grouping symbols are important because they structure complex expressions clearly. They ensure precise calculations in layered math problems.

Grouping symbols affect the order of operations by isolating subtraction before multiplication. Evaluate inside the parentheses first to simplify the grouped part. This changes the result, as subtracting first leads to a positive product unlike multiplying first. For (16 - 8) × 3, subtract to get 8, then multiply by 3 for 24. A misconception is that parentheses don't change multiplication priority, but they do by grouping subtraction. Grouping symbols are important for conveying specific meanings. They are fundamental in creating distinct outcomes in expressions.

Grouping symbols like brackets affect the order of operations by requiring evaluation inside them before external operations. You solve the addition or other operations within the brackets first, then multiply or proceed. This modifies the final value by combining numbers in a specific way. For example, in [15 + 5] × 4, add to 20 inside, then multiply by 4 to get 80. A common misconception is that you can multiply first and add later, ignoring the brackets. Grouping symbols are important because they provide structure to expressions. They allow for clear and unambiguous mathematical statements.

Grouping symbols like parentheses affect the order of operations in an expression by specifying which calculations to perform first. To evaluate, you always start by solving the operations inside the grouping symbols before moving to the outside operations. This changes the result because it overrides the standard order of operations, such as multiplying before adding. For example, in 8 × (6 + 4), you add 6 + 4 inside the parentheses to get 10, then multiply by 8 to get 80. A common misconception is that you can ignore parentheses and just follow PEMDAS strictly, but parentheses must be addressed first. Grouping symbols are important because they ensure everyone interprets the expression the same way. They allow for precise control over the calculation sequence, preventing confusion in math problems.