Solving Expressions the Right Way

In math, the order you do operations matters! The order of operations tells you which steps to do first so everyone gets the same answer.

PEMDAS

• P: Parentheses first
• E: Exponents (powers)
• MD: Multiplication and Division (left to right)
• AS: Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Whenever you see a math expression, follow these rules to solve it.

Example Expression

\( 6 + (3 \times 4) - 2 \)

First, do what's in parentheses: \( 3 \times 4 = 12 \). Then add and subtract: \( 6 + 12 = 18 \), \( 18 - 2 = 16 \).

Why It Matters

Order of operations is used in science, engineering, and even video game programming!