Understanding the Order of Operations
Why Do We Need Rules?
Imagine you and your friend are solving the same math problem: 3 + 4 × 2. If you add first, you get 14. If you multiply first, you get 11. Who's right? That's why mathematicians created special rules so everyone gets the same answer!
The Order of Operations Rules
Think of these rules like following a recipe - you need to do things in the right order!
Memory Trick!
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
- Parentheses
- Exponents (you'll learn this later!)
- Multiply
- Divide
- Add
- Subtract
Important: Multiplication and Division are equal - do them left to right. Addition and Subtraction are equal - do them left to right too!