order of operations
The order of operations refers to a set of rules that dictate the sequence of steps to be carried out when simplifying mathematical expressions to ensure that everyone arrives at the same correct answer
The order of operations refers to a set of rules that dictate the sequence of steps to be carried out when simplifying mathematical expressions to ensure that everyone arrives at the same correct answer. The order of operations is often abbreviated as PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
Here is a breakdown of the order of operations:
1. Parentheses: Perform any operations inside parentheses first. If there are multiple sets of parentheses or nested parentheses, start with the innermost set and work your way outwards.
Example: (8 + 2) * 3 = 10 * 3 = 30
2. Exponents: Evaluate any exponents or powers next. An exponent represents repeated multiplication of a number by itself.
Example: 2^3 = 2 * 2 * 2 = 8
3. Multiplication and Division: Perform multiplication and division from left to right. These operations have the same priority level, so you should solve them in the order they appear.
Example: 6 / 3 * 2 = 2 * 2 = 4
4. Addition and Subtraction: Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right. These operations also have equal priority, so solve them in the order they appear.
Example: 5 + 2 – 1 = 7 – 1 = 6
Applying the correct order of operations is crucial as it ensures that everyone gets the same answer when solving a mathematical expression. Remembering the acronym PEMDAS can help you to remember the correct sequence of steps.
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