Order of Operations

Order of Operations: What is it, why we need it, and why it’s our best friend?

5 +3 = 8 is an easy equation because there is only one operation (addition), but what happens when you are given 5 + 3² x (9-8)? No worries, you have PEMDAS!!! PEMDAS tells us the order in which we do the following operations in this problem. Using PEMDAS, I know to do what’s in the parentheses first (9-8), then the exponent (3²), so now my problem looks like this:   5+9x1  I am not finished, still using PEMDAS I will multiply 9 X 1 then add 5 last which gives me the solution: 14

What are the Order of Operations?

1. Calculations must be done from left to right.

2. Calculations in parentheses (brackets) are done first. When you have more than one set of brackets, do the inner brackets first.

3. Exponents must be done next.

4. Multiply and divide in the order the operations occur (from left to right)

5. Add and subtract in the order the operations occur (from left to right)

Order of Operations practice