PEMDAS – Order of Operations
PEMDAS is a rule to remember the correct order of operations when solving mathematical expressions. Following PEMDAS ensures everyone gets the same result.
1. What PEMDAS Stands For
- P – Parentheses: Solve expressions inside parentheses or brackets first
( ) [ ] { } - E – Exponents: Powers and roots come next
², ³, √, ^ - M – Multiplication
- D – Division (from left to right)
- A – Addition
- S – Subtraction (from left to right)
âš ï¸ Note: Multiplication and Division are done in the order they appear from left to right, same for Addition and Subtraction.
2. Examples
Example 1: Solve 3 + 5 × 2
- Multiplication first:
5 × 2 = 10 - Addition next:
3 + 10 = 13
Example 2: Solve (4 + 6) ÷ 2
- Parentheses first:
4 + 6 = 10 - Division next:
10 ÷ 2 = 5
Example 3: Solve 2² + 3 × (6 - 4)
- Parentheses first:
6 - 4 = 2 - Exponents next:
2² = 4 - Multiplication:
3 × 2 = 6 - Addition:
4 + 6 = 10
3. Tips for Success
- Always simplify inside parentheses first.
- Work step by step; don’t skip operations.
- Remember multiplication/division and addition/subtraction go left to right.
Mastering PEMDAS ensures you can correctly solve expressions in Algebra and higher-level math.