PEMDAS - Order of Operations

PEMDAS - Order of Operations

Operations

An operation is what tells us how to combine numbers in a math problem. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are all examples of operations.

The Order of Operations

Sometimes, we'll see a math problem with just one operation (for example, 2 + 2). Other times, we'll have a problem with two or more operations (like 2 + 2 x 8 - 7). There is a very specific order we need to do the operations in order to get the right answer.

We can remember the order of operations by using the acronym PEMDAS

The "P" in PEMDAS stands for "parentheses"

This means that, if a math problem has parentheses, we need to complete the math inside those parentheses first.

Multiple Choice

 $5\ +\left(7\ -2\right)\ =$  

• 10

• 12

• 15

Multiple Choice

 $2\ \times\left(4\ +6\right)\ =$  

• 14

• 20

• 10

Fill in the Blank

 $10\ -\left(7\ +\ 2\right)$  

The "E" in PEMDAS stands for "exponents"

After we complete the parentheses, or if there are no parentheses, we solve the exponents next.

Multiple Choice

 $2^2\ +\ 10$  

• 12

• 14

• 8

Multiple Choice

 $3\ +\ 2^2\ +1$  

• 8

• 7

• 6

Multiple Choice

 $3^2\ +\ \left(5\ +\ 2\right)$  

• 16

• 40

The "M" and "D" in PEMDAS stands for "multiplication" and "division"

When we see multiplication and division in the same math problem, we work left to right.

Multiple Choice

 $3\ \times4\ \div2$  What operation should be done first?

• Multiplication

• Division

Multiple Choice

 $4\ \div\ 2\ \times6$  What operation should be done first?

• Multiplication

• Division

Multiple Choice

 $30\ \times2\ \div6$  What operation should be done first?

• Multiplication

• Division

Multiple Choice

 $4\ \div\ 1\ \times\ 8$  What operation should be done first?

• Multiplication

• Division

Multiple Choice

 $3\ \times4\ \div2\ =$  

• 6

• 12

Multiple Choice

 $8\ \div\ 4\ \times\ 3$  

• 6

• 24

Multiple Choice

 $12\ \div\ 6\ \times\ 14\ =$  

• 28

• 136

The "A" and "S" in PEMDAS stand for "addition" and "subtraction"

When we see addition and subtraction in the same math problem, we need to work left to right.

Multiple Choice

 $3+4-1$  What operation should be done first?

• Addition

• Subtraction

Multiple Choice

 $20\ -\ 5\ +\ 7$  What operation should be done first?

• Addition 

• Subtraction

Multiple Choice

 $20\ -\ 5\ +\ 7\ =$  

• 22

• 8

Multiple Choice

 $5\ +\ 7\ -\ 10\ =$  

• 2

• 5