When simplifying a numerical or algebraic expression, it is important that you complete the calculations in the correct order. If not, you may end up getting the incorrect answer! There are different tips and tricks that can be used to help you remember which operations to complete first. Operation is the term used for any addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Explore our app and discover over 50 million learning materials for free.
Lerne mit deinen Freunden und bleibe auf dem richtigen Kurs mit deinen persönlichen Lernstatistiken
Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenNie wieder prokastinieren mit unseren Lernerinnerungen.
Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenWhen simplifying a numerical or algebraic expression, it is important that you complete the calculations in the correct order. If not, you may end up getting the incorrect answer! There are different tips and tricks that can be used to help you remember which operations to complete first. Operation is the term used for any addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
When looking at an equation with multiple operations you can follow the four steps to help you calculate the equation in the correct order:
First you can start by calculating anything that is inside grouping symbols, like brackets or parentheses.
Now you look at any powers that are in the sum, these are also known as exponents.
Next you move on to any multiplication or division, working from left to right.
Finally, you work through any addition or subtraction, again working from left to right.
There are different types of brackets that may be used;
Solve
To solve this, you can break it down into the 4 steps;
Therefore, the answer is 42.
In order to help you remember which order to solve a sum there is an acronym, PEMDAS;
P : Parentheses (grouping symbols)
E : Exponents (powers and roots)
MD : Multiplication and division
AS : Addition and subtraction
Simplify
Let's work through each step to solve the expression;
Therefore,
Simplify
Let's work through each step to solve the expression;
Therefore,
Sometimes when you are evaluating an algebraic expression for a given value of the variable, you will need to apply the Order of Operations to help you get the correct answer.
Evaluate when
First you can substitute 6 into the expression, then you can follow PEMDAS;
Therefore when ,
Evaluate when and
To begin with, you can substitute in your variables to see the expression, then you can continue to solve it using PEMDAS;
Therefore, when and ,
Evaluate when
To begin with, you can substitute in your variable to see the expression, then you can continue to solve it using PEMDAS;
Therefore, when ,
Evaluate when
To begin with, you can substitute in your variable to see the expression, then you can continue to solve it using PEMDAS;
Order of operations is a correct order in which you should solve operations, operations are things such as addition, multiplication, and powers.
The rules for order of operations state that you should complete a sum in the following order;
It is important to use order of operation to get the correct answer to your sum, if you simply calculate the sum from left to right you will be left with the wrong answer.
What is an operation?
An operation is the term used for any additions, subtractions, multiplication, division and squaring of a number.
Why is the order of operations important?
The order of operations is important to make sure that you get the correct answer to your sum.
What are the 4 steps of order of operations?
What is the acronym to help you remember the 4 steps for the order of operations?
P - Parentheses
E - Exponent
M/D - Multiplication or Division
A/S - Addition or Subtraction
Already have an account? Log in
Open in AppThe first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place
Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.
Save explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere!
Sign up with Email Sign up with AppleBy signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy of StudySmarter.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place
Already have an account? Log in