The document explains the order of operations, known by the acronym PEMDAS:
1) Parentheses,
2) Exponents,
3) Multiplication/Division (from left to right),
4) Addition/Subtraction (from left to right).
Following PEMDAS, solve inside parentheses and exponents first before moving left to right with multiplication/division and addition/subtraction. Always show your work and check answers to ensure accuracy.
2. What Are the Order of Operations
Parentheses (and Division Bars)
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subraction
You can remember these with the acronym PEMDAS
PLEASE EXCUSE MY DEAR AUNT SALLY
4. Parentheses ( )
Parentheses and Division Bars are first in PEMDAS.
Do what is inside them first when starting a problem
When you get inside the parentheses, start over with PEMDAS
Example:
5(4+6x7)=
5(4+42)=
5(46)=
230
When you have a division bar, do what is on the top and then divide
the top number by the bottom number.
Example:
6+18 =24 =3
8 8
5. Exponents 52
Exponents are the same as powers.
Solve exponents after all parentheses and division
bars are solved.
Example:
24x2=32
o 24is equal to 2x2x2x2
4x2x2
8x2
16
6. Multiplication and Division 10x3 20/5
You start multiplication and division after all parentheses,
division bars, and exponents are solved.
When solving multiplication and division, you go from left to
right.
Say you have 20 divided by 2 times 3, for example, you
would not do 2 times 3 and then divide 20 by 6.
Instead you would divide because it is first from left to right.
20 divided by 2 equals 10. Then you multiply 10 and 3,
which equals 30. That is your answer.
7. Addition and Subtraction 8+7 20-13
Addition and subtraction are started after everything else is
finished.
Just like multiplication and division, you go from left to right.
Examples:
8+7=15
20-13=7
o Another example with both:
27+43-50=
First, you do 27+43=70
Now subtract. 70-50=20
8. Checking your work
Checking your work is very
important.
Make sure to always check your
work.
You can check with a calculator or
by hand.
9. Where I got my photos
http://www.inmagine.com/searchterms/calculators-3.html
http://www.inmagine.com/searchterms/math.html
http://www.inmagine.com/searchterms/math_equations.html