PEMDAS is an abbreviation for:
1. Parentheses
2. Exponents
3. Multiplication
4. Division
5. Addition
6. Subtraction
When you have an expression that contains more than one operation listed above, for example an equation has adding and multiplying. PEMDAS tells us to multiply then add because reading from left to right PEMDAS has M for multiplying and A for addition and M comes first in the name so it happens first.
If a problem has addition and exponents, exponents get calculated first because it is first in PEMDAS, (E), compared to (A) addition.
Rule: Perform operations in every math problem using PEMDAS when the equation has more than one operation. Work left-to-right continuously until you have your answer.
Let's look at an example:
10 + 5 - 6 ÷ 3
10 + 5 - 2
15 - 2
13
Division, Addition, then subtraction is the order of operations for this problem.
Let's look at an example:
12 ÷ 2 + 10 ÷ 5
6 + 10 ÷ 5
6 + 2
8
Two Division problems, then one addition problem is the order of operations for this example.
Let's look at an example:
(4 + 6) + 14 ÷ 7 + 4
10 + 14 ÷ 7 + 4
10 + 2 + 4
12 + 4
16
Parentheses, division, then addition is the order of operations for this example.
Let's look at an example:
(5 - 7) - 2 + 32 - 10
(5 - 7) - 2 + 9 - 10
(-2) - 2 + 9 - 10
-4 + 9 - 10
5 - 10
-5
Exponents, parentheses, and addition and subtraction working from left to right is the order of operations for this example.
Now you try the next one on your own.
To check your answer click on Reveal the Solution button.
6 + (8-5)2 + 8 ÷ 4
Example 2:
To check your answer click on Reveal the Solution button.
(5 + 1)2 ÷ 3 + 4 - 9
Example 3:
To check your answer click on Reveal the Solution button.
12 ÷ (1 + 1)2 + 15 ÷ 3 + 2