BEDMAS

BEDMAS is an acronym that helps students remember the order of operations in math equations:

• B: Brackets

• E: Exponents

• D: Division

• M: Multiplication

• A: Addition

• S: Subtraction 

The order of operations is a set of rules that ensure the same math problem has only one answer. When using BEDMAS, you should:

• Start by solving the brackets, working from the innermost bracket outward

• Tackle the exponents

• Solve the multiplication and division operations, working left to right

• Solve the addition and subtraction operations, working left to right 

Some say that using mnemonic acronyms like BEDMAS can lead to a misleading understanding of mathematical notation. They argue that mathematical notation indicates groupings in other ways than parentheses or brackets, and that there is no single order for simplifying or evaluating mathematical expressions. 

The term and memory aid BEDMAS stands for brackets, exponents, division, multiplication, addition and subtraction.