Longer calculations follow the same order: brackets first, then powers, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right.
In 2 + 9 × 7 − 34, multiply first: 9 × 7 = 63. Then work left to right: 2 + 63 = 65 and 65 − 34 = 31. Brackets can change everything: (6 + 3) × 6 − 40 = 9 × 6 − 40 = 54 − 40 = 14. Calculators follow this order too, so type brackets when you need them.
Worked example
10 × (6 + 2) ÷ 2 =
- Brackets: 6 + 2 = 8.
- Left to right: 10 × 8 = 80, then 80 ÷ 2 = 40.
Answer:40
Key words
- brackets
- parts worked out first
- left to right
- the order for operations of the same rank
- power
- a number with an exponent, like 3²
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 7.NS.A.3