The Order of Operations
And how to use it!
Why We Need Order Of Operations
When solving big problems you may get more than one answer. Well, how do we know which one is right? The order of operation is here to help will that. If we use it correctly, we are guaranteed to get the right answer!
What IS the ORDER of Operations?
To remember order of operations we use PEMDAS or Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. P stands for parentheses, which we work out first in the problem. In the problem 8+(3x6)-28, we would figure out 3x5 first, because it is in the parentheses. If there are no parentheses, skip and go on. E stands for exponents. These are the things we work out next in the problem. If there are no exponents, skip and go on. Now this part gets tricky. M and D stand for multiplication and division, but you do them in left to right order. Same goes for A and S which is add and subtract, left to right.
Here Are Some Helpful Images
Easy as 1,2,3!
Order of operations is a key tool to solving math problems and is not hard once you get the hang of it. It's just like a set of rules for solving problems, and is definitely not as confusing as it sounds at first.