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 Gives 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 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? Brackets - B Exponents - E Division - D
Multiplication - M
Addition - A
Subtraction - S

7. Summary
Remember that Divisions and Multiplications should be done together from left to right
Additions and Subtractions should also be done together from left to right