Order of operations

Welcome! Math has simple rules so everyone gets the same correct answer every time.

We use the order of operations to solve math expressions. Remember the name PEMDAS. It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.

First, solve everything inside Parentheses. Next, simplify any Exponents like 3 squared, which is 9.

After exponents, perform Multiplication and Division from left to right. Neither comes first automatically; just go left to right.

Finally, complete Addition and Subtraction from left to right. Now you have your final answer!

✏️ Worked example

Evaluate the expression: (3 + 2) ² + 4 × 2

Step 1: Solve inside Parentheses: (3 + 2) = 5. The expression is now 5² + 4 × 2.
Step 2: Solve the Exponent: 5² = 25. The expression is now 25 + 4 × 2.
Step 3: Multiply: 4 × 2 = 8. The expression is now 25 + 8.
Step 4: Add: 25 + 8 = 33. The final answer is 33.

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