Mathematics

B1

Order of Operations

Operations mean things like add, subtract, multiply, divide, squaring, etc. If it isn't a
number it is probably an operation.
Numerical Expression is a mathematical sentence involving only numbers and one
or more operation symbols.

But, when you see something like ...

7 + (6 × 5 + 3) =

what part should you calculate first?

There are specific rules about the order we must follow if we have to calculate a
numerical expression like this one above.

1. Do things in parentheses first.

𝟒 × (𝟓 + 𝟑) = 𝟒 × 𝟖 = 𝟑𝟐 ✓

𝟒 × (𝟓 + 𝟑) = 𝟐𝟎 + 𝟑 = 𝟐𝟑  (wrong!)

2. Multiply or Divide before you Add or Subtract.

𝟐 + 𝟓 × 𝟑 = 𝟐 + 𝟏𝟓 = 𝟏𝟕 ✓

𝟐 + 𝟓 × 𝟑 = 𝟕 × 𝟑 = 𝟐𝟏  (wrong!)

3. Otherwise just go left to the right.

𝟑𝟎 ÷ 𝟓 × 𝟑 = 𝟔 × 𝟑 = 𝟏𝟖 ✓

𝟑𝟎 ÷ 𝟓 × 𝟑 = 𝟑𝟎 ÷ 𝟏𝟓 = 𝟐  (wrong!)
Warning!
Calculate them in the wrong order, and you will get a wrong answer!