A.K.A “BEDMAS”

Order of OperationsThe Order of Operations is the order

in which to solve a mathematical problem.

You must solve problems using the order established working from left to right.

BEDMASUse the acronym BEDMAS to help you remember the

Order of Operations

B – Brackets (Parentheses)E – ExponentsD/M – Division or MultiplicationA/S – Addition or Subtraction

BEDMAS = Brackets (Parentheses)Brackets or Parentheses is the 1st operation to look for

in a problem. If there are parentheses then you must do the math in them before anything else.

Ex: 11 – (2 + 4)

Before you can do anything else, you must do the operation inside the parentheses.

11 – 6 = 5

2 + 4 = 6

BEDMAS = ExponentsThe 2nd step to look for in a problem are

exponents. If there are exponents solve them next.

Ex: 52 + 7 52 = 25

After solving any problems in parentheses, solve all exponents.

25 + 7 = 32

BEDMAS = Division & Multiplication

Division and Multiplication are the 3rd and 4rd steps to look for in a problem. Solve multiplication and division problems working from left to right.

Ex: 5 x 6 + 12

5 x 6 = 30 30 + 12 = 42

Ex: 36 ÷ 6 – 4

36 ÷ 6 = 6 6 – 4 = 2

The 1st operation to do in this equation is multiplication.

The 1st operation to do in this equation is division

BEDMAS = Addition & SubtractionThe last two steps to look for in a

problem are Addition and Subtraction. Solve these after completing all of the math in Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, and Division.

Ex: 5 + 4 – 6 5 + 4 = 9 9 – 6 = 3

Ex: 10 – 7 + 4 10 – 7 = 3 3 + 4 = 7

In this problem you do the Adding first because you have to solve from left to right.

In this problem you do the subtraction first because you solve from left to right.

When you have a number beside a bracket without a function sign, this means the numbers are multiplied together.

3⁴ + 7(2+4) – 1 When evaluated this means 3⁴ + 7 ×

(2+4) - 1 Solving brackets first 3⁴ + 7 × (6)

- 1 Exponent next 81 + 7 × (6) – 1Multiply next 81 + 42 – 1Adding/ Subtract Left to Right 81+ 42 – 1 =

Answer 123 - 1 = 122

2⁴ + 4(9+3) – 1

s

Sometimes you will have an equation that uses a fraction bar. This fraction bar acts like a grouping symbol, like brackets. Function in numerator position is completed first. Then function in denominator position is completed. (In this case there is no function) and then the numerator is divided by the denominator.

7 – 1 + 5²

2Exponents (7 – 1) ÷ 2 +25 Then = 6 ÷ 2 + 25

= 3 + 25

= 28

9 – 3 + 3² 3

Here are a few for you to try.1. 4 × (6 - 1) + 2 + 2 =

2. (4 + 5) + 2 - 3 + 6 X 2=

3. (6 + 5) × 2 + 7 × 3 - 6 =

4. 6 x 5 + 2 + (5 - 2) =

5. 3 + 1° x 2 + 2(6 - 4)=

6. ½ (6-2) + (5 – 2) x 6=

7. 7 - 3 + (8+4) = 2

Answers1. 4 × (6 - 1) + 2 + 2 = 24 2. (4 + 5) + 2 - 3 + 6 X 2= 203. (6 + 5) × 2 + 7 × 3 - 6 = 374. 6 x 5 + 2 + (5 - 2) = 355. 3 + 1° x 2 + 2(6 - 4)= 216. ½ (6-2) + (5 – 2) x 6= 207. 7 - 3 + (8+4) = 14

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