Solve $2.5 \times 4.8 + 7.2 \times 1.5 - 1.2 \times 14 = x$

### Concept & Logic The problem requires applying the standard order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) to decimal arithmetic. Multiplication must be performed before addition and subtraction. ### Step-by-Step Solution * **Step 1:** Isolate and perform the multiplication operations first. * $2.5 \times 4.8 = 12$ * $7.2 \times 1.5 = 10.8$ * $1.2 \times 14 = 16.8$ * **Step 2:** Substitute these products back into the original equation. * Equation becomes: $12 + 10.8 - 16.8$ * **Step 3:** Perform addition and subtraction from left to right. * $22.8 - 16.8 = 6$ ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut To multiply decimals quickly, temporarily ignore the decimal points, perform integer multiplication, and then place the decimal back based on the total decimal places. For example, for $2.5 \times 4.8$, calculate $25 \times 48$. An easy way to do $25 \times 48$ is $100/4 \times 48 = 1200$. Since there are two decimal places in total ($2.5$ and $4.8$), shift the decimal two spots to the left: $12.00$. ### Common Pitfall Students often make alignment errors when adding or subtracting the final terms, such as subtracting $16.8$ from $10.8$ incorrectly or misplacing the decimal point during the initial multiplication steps. ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is 6.