I am confused about how to find the total number of atoms in a compound. For example, question 17, Part A of chapter 3 asked what is the total mumber of atoms in stearic acid (in animal fat). The chemical symbol for stearic acid is CH3(CH2)10COOH. The way I worked it is C=1+H=3+ (C=1+H=2316)+C=1+O1+O=1+H=1. Therefore, 1+3+48+1+1+1+1=56. I was taught in basic algebra that I should multiply what is in the bracket by the sum that preceded it so I was wondering if I should have writtan 1+ 3+1+2 first. 1 don't know if that concept applies here