Alg1 - 0.3 Order of Operation

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which we solve a mathematical expression with multiple operations. It ensures everyone gets the same answer, regardless of how they approach the problem. Here's a breakdown of the order of operations, along with a fun memory trick:

PEMDAS (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally):

1. Parentheses, Exponents (or Brackets):

• Solve any expressions within parentheses or brackets first. Work from innermost sets outward.

• Then, evaluate any exponents (powers).

1. Multiplication and Division (from left to right):

• Perform multiplications and divisions in the order they appear, moving left to right.

• If multiple multiplications or divisions appear next to each other, solve them in the order they appear.

1. Addition and Subtraction (from left to right):

• Finally, perform additions and subtractions in the order they appear, moving left to right.

Example:

Let's solve the expression:  7 + (3 x 4) - 2^2

1. Parentheses:  We have parentheses first, so solve 3 x 4 = 12

2. Multiplication:  Now, we have 7 + (12) - 2^2

3. Exponents:  Next, solve 2^2 (2 squared) which is 4

4. Left to right:  Finally, we have 7 + 12 - 4. Following PEMDAS, solve from left to right:

• First, add 7 + 12 = 19

• Then, subtract 4: 19 - 4 = 15

Therefore, the answer is 15.

Memory Tricks:

There are many mnemonics to help remember the order of operations. PEMDAS is a popular one, but here are a few others:

• BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction) - common in the UK and Canada

• BEDMAS (Brackets, Exponents, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction) - another variation

• GEMS (Grouping Symbols, Exponents, Multiply/Divide, Add/Subtract) - emphasizes grouping symbols

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0.3 NOTES Order of Operation.pdf

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0.3 HW Order of Operation.pdf

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