Math Problems: Order of Operations

Posted by David Wetzel

Order of Operations

When there is more than one operation involved in a mathematical problem, it must be solved by using the correct order of operations.

When using a calculator, it will perform operations in the order which you enter them. Therefore, you will need to enter the operations in the correct order for the calculator to give you the right answer.

Order of Operations Acronyms

Use the following Acronyms to help remember order of operations:

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sallie (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract)

or

Pink Elephants Destroy Mice And Snails (Parenthesis, Exponents, Divide, Multiply, Add, Subtract)

Order of Operations Rules

1. Calculations must be done from left to right.

2. Calculations in parenthesis are done first. When there are more than one set of parenthesis, do the inner parenthesis first.

3. Exponents must be done next.

4. Multiply and divide in the order the operations occur.

5. Add and subtract in the order the operations occur.

Order of Operations Examples

12 ÷ 4 + 3²
12 ÷ 4 + 9
3 + 9
12

Rule 3: Exponent first
Rule 4: Multiply or Divide as they appear
Rule 5: Add or Subtract as they appear

20 ÷ (12 - 2) X 3² - 2
20 ÷ 10 X 3² - 2
20 ÷ 10 X 9 - 2
18 - 2
16

Rule 2: Everything in parenthesis first
Rule 3: Exponents
Rule 4: Multiply and Divide as they appear
Rule 5: Add or Subtract as they appear