1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $$6 \times (3^3 - 3 \times 6) \div (7^2 - 40)$$ and verify if the answer is 48. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division (from left to right), addition and subtraction. 3. **Calculate inside the parentheses:** - Calculate $$3^3 = 27$$ - Calculate $$3 \times 6 = 18$$ - So, $$3^3 - 3 \times 6 = 27 - 18 = 9$$ 4. **Calculate the denominator:** - Calculate $$7^2 = 49$$ - Then $$49 - 40 = 9$$ 5. **Rewrite the expression:** $$6 \times 9 \div 9$$ 6. **Simplify multiplication and division:** - Multiply first: $$6 \times 9 = 54$$ - Then divide: $$54 \div 9 = 6$$ 7. **Check for cancellation:** $$6 \times \cancel{9} \div \cancel{9} = 6$$ **Final answer:** $$6$$, not 48. The given answer 48 is incorrect.