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!