What is the order of operations in math?

Question

Accepted Answer

The order of operations is a set of rules that tells you which calculations to perform first when solving a math problem. Following PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) ensures everyone gets the same correct answer.

Steps

Start with anything inside Parentheses (or other grouping symbols like brackets).
Next, calculate any Exponents (powers or roots).
Then do Multiplication and Division from left to right, whichever comes first.
Finally, do Addition and Subtraction from left to right, whichever comes first.

Worked example

For 3 + 2 × (8 - 3)²: First solve the parentheses (8 - 3) = 5. Then the exponent 5² = 25. Next multiply 2 × 25 = 50. Finally add 3 + 50 = 53.

Remember

Remember that multiplication and division have equal priority (work left to right), and addition and subtraction also have equal priority (work left to right).

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Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

Steps

Worked example

Remember

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