When a calculation has more than one operation, there is an agreed order. First work out anything in brackets. Then multiply and divide, from left to right. Last, add and subtract, from left to right.
So 2 + 9 × 7 is 2 + 63 = 65, not 11 × 7. Brackets change the order: (2 + 9) × 7 = 77. Some people remember the order as PEMDAS or BODMAS, but the idea is the same everywhere.
Worked example
30 − 4 × (2 + 3) =
- Brackets first: 2 + 3 = 5.
- Then multiply: 4 × 5 = 20. Then subtract: 30 − 20 = 10.
Answer:10
Key words
- brackets
- the ( ) signs that are worked out first
- operation
- +, −, × or ÷
- expression
- numbers and operations without an equals sign
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 5.OA.A.1