Order of Operations

The order of operations is the rule that tells us which operation to solve first when a math problem has more than one operation.

This helps everyone get the same correct answer.

A common way to remember the order is PEMDAS.

PEMDAS stands for:

Example 1

8 + 3 × 2

Step 1: Multiply first

3 × 2 = 6

Step 2: Add

8 + 6 = 14

Final Answer: 14

Example 2

(6 + 4) × 3

Step 1: Solve inside parentheses

6 + 4 = 10

Step 2: Multiply

10 × 3 = 30

Final Answer: 30

Example 3

20 − 8 ÷ 2

Step 1: Divide

8 ÷ 2 = 4

Step 2: Subtract

20 − 4 = 16

Final Answer: 16

Order of operations helps in many real situations.

Shopping

If you buy 3 toys at $5 each plus $2 for a bag, math must be done in the correct order.

Building and Engineering

Engineers solve complex formulas that require correct operation order.

Computer Programming

Computers follow the order of operations when calculating numbers.

Problem 1

5 + 4 × 2

Step 1: Multiply

4 × 2 = 8

Step 2: Add

5 + 8 = 13

Problem 2

(7 + 3) × 2

Step 1: Parentheses

7 + 3 = 10

Step 2: Multiply

10 × 2 = 20

Problem 3

18 ÷ 3 + 5

Step 1: Divide

18 ÷ 3 = 6

Step 2: Add

6 + 5 = 11

Learning the order of operations helps children:

● Solve multi-step math problems

● Avoid calculation mistakes

● Understand algebra and equations

● Prepare for advanced mathematics

The order of operations helps us solve math problems with many steps in the correct order. By remembering PEMDAS, kids can confidently solve expressions with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.