Let's simplify the given expression step by step:

The expression is: $(3 - 7 \div 3 - 9) \times 3 - 4$

Step 1: Follow the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)

• Parentheses first
• Exponents (none here)
• Multiplication/Division (from left to right)
• Addition/Subtraction (from left to right)

We'll begin with the division inside the parentheses.

Step 2: Perform the division

First, calculate $7 \div 3$: $7 \div 3 \approx 2.33$ Now substitute that back into the expression: $(3 - 2.33 - 9) \times 3 - 4$

Step 3: Simplify the subtraction inside the parentheses

Now simplify the terms inside the parentheses: $3 - 2.33 = 0.67$ $0.67 - 9 = -8.33$ So the expression becomes: $(-8.33) \times 3 - 4$

Step 4: Perform the multiplication

Now multiply $-8.33 \times 3$: $-8.33 \times 3 = -24.99$ So the expression becomes: $-24.99 - 4$

Step 5: Final subtraction

Finally, subtract $4$: $-24.99 - 4 = -28.99$

Final Answer:

$\boxed{-28.99}$

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Would you like any further details or explanations on the steps? Here are some additional questions you can explore:

1. How do you round numbers when performing arithmetic operations?
2. What is the difference between division and subtraction in terms of order of operations?
3. How does the distributive property apply to simplifying expressions?
4. What would happen if parentheses were placed around different parts of the expression?
5. How would the result change if $7$ was divided by $4$ instead of $3$?

Tip: Always double-check the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to avoid errors when simplifying expressions!