88+3•38:2•16-997=-981

Interpret the expression as 88 + 3 × 38 ÷ 2 × 16 − 997.

• 3 × 38 = 114
• 114 ÷ 2 = 57
• 57 × 16 = 912
• 88 + 912 = 1000
• 1000 − 997 = 3

So the left-hand side equals 3, not -981. The equation 88+3•38:2•16-997 = -981 is false.

If you intended a different grouping (e.g., 3×38:(2×16) = 114/32 = 3.5625), tell me and I’ll recalculate.