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Order of Operations
Order of Operations
To find the answer for certain math questions you need to do more than one operation. Follow the rules below.
Rule 1: First perform any calculations inside brackets.
Rule 2: Next perform all multiplication and division, working from left to right.
Rule 3: Lastly, perform all additions and subtractions, working from left to right.
Let’s try 8 x 9 + 24 ÷ 2
You have to perform 3 operations; multiplication, addition and division.
This is when you have to know what order they are done in.
1. Multiply 8 x 9 =72 72 + 24 ÷ 2
2. Next, divide 24 ÷ 2 = 12 72 + 12
3. Now, add 72 + 12 = 84
If you don’t follow the order of operations, you will get a different answer. That is why everyone must follow this math rule. Some questions have brackets and the question in the bracket needs to be done first.
Let’s try: 26 + 63 ÷ (15 - 8) x 2 ÷ 3 − 3
1. Brackets first (15 - 8 ) = 7 26 + 63 ÷ 7 x 2 ÷ 3 – 3
2. Next division 63 ÷ 7 = 9 26 + 9 x 2 ÷ 3 – 3
3. Now, multiply 9 x 2 = 18 26 + 18 ÷ 3 - 3
4. Divide 18 ÷ 3 = 6 26 + 6 - 3
5. Add first 26 + 6 =32 32 – 3
6. And finally subtract 32 − 3 = 29
7. The answer: 29
An easy way to remember the order of operations is to simply remember the acronym: B E D M A S
Try these worksheets
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