1. A standard way to simplify mathematical expressions and equations.
Order of Operations
A standard way to simplify mathematical expressions and equations.

2. Purpose Avoids Confusion Provides Consistency For example:
8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44
Or does it equal
8 + 3 * 4 = = 20

3. Order of operations are a set of rules
that mathematicians have agreed to
follow to avoid mass CONFUSION
when simplifying mathematical expressions
or equations. Without these simple, but
important rules, learning mathematics would
be maddening.

4. The Rules Simplify within Grouping Symbols Simplify Exponents
( ), { }, [ ], | |
Simplify Exponents
Raise to Powers
Complete Multiplication and Division from Left to Right
Complete Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right

5. Back to Our Example 20 For example: 8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44
8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44
Or does it equal
8 + 3 * 4 = = 20
Using order of operations, we do the
multiplication first. So what’s our
answer? 20

6. How can we remember it? Parentheses - Please Exponents - Excuse
Multiplication - My
Division - Dear
Addition - Aunt
Subtraction - Sally

7. Lets try an example . . . Remember to use PEMDAS!
48 – 32 ÷ 2³ + (6-3) = 3 8
48 – 32 ÷ = 4
48 – = 47

8. One more example 22 – 7 * 3 + (7 – 2 *2) = (7 – 4) 3 21
22 – = 4

9. Remember . . . P stands for Parentheses E stands for Exponents
M & D stand for
Multiplication and Division in order from left to right
A & S stand for
Addition and Subtraction in order from left to right