1. Order of Operations What are the four math operations? Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division

2. Order of Operations
Math has rules that we all have to follow so we will all come up with the same (correct) solution!
One of the rules or procedures we follow is the “Order of Operations.”
The “Order of Operations” is just that—
the order in which we perform an operation in a math problem.

3. Order of Operations
We may use a simple sentence to help us remember the Order of Operations.
Please
Excuse My
Dear
Aunt
Sally

4. Order of Operations Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally stands for
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication and Division
in order, from left to right
Addition and Subtraction
Another way to remember is PEMDAS

5. Order of Operations IMPORTANT!!!
Multiplication and division are equal operations.
Addition and subtraction are equal operations
That means if we have both multiplication and division in a problem, we work straight across (left to right) as we perform those two operations.
That means if we have both addition and subtraction in a problem, we work straight across (left to right)as we perform those two operations.

6. Order of Operations
Just because “multiplication” comes before “division” in PEMDAS, that does not mean we perform the the multiplication operations before the division operations.
Just because “addition” comes before “subtraction” in PEMDAS, that does not mean we perform the addition operations before the subtraction operations.

7. Order of Operations REMEMBER!!!
Multiplication and division are equal operations—we perform them left to right, in the order they are in the problem.
Addition and subtraction are equal operations—we perform them left to right, in the order they are in the problem.

8. Order of Operations
So, let’s work a few problems using the Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
First, we look to see if there are any parentheses in the problem.
If so, we do what is inside the parentheses first.
Second, we look to see if there are any exponents in the problem.
If so, we work that out second.

9. Order of Operations We always show our work!!
Next, we look for multiplication or division.
-- If we have either, or both, we work those out, going straight across from left to right.
Last, we look for addition or subtraction.
-- If we have either, or both, we work those out, going straight across from left to right.
We always show our work!!

10. Order of Operations
Example
40 ÷ 2 · 4 – 2=
20 · 4 – 2 =
80 – 2 = 78

11. Order of Operations Let’s try another problem 15 + 5 – 14 + 6 =
20 – =
6 + 6 = 12

12. Order of Operations 74 + (17 – 6) · (6 ÷ 2) = 74 + 11 · 3 =
· =
= 107
= 107

13. Order of Operations
To multiply powers of the same base, add the exponents:
2⁴ · 2⁶ = 2⁴⁺⁶ = 2¹⁰
3 · 3⁵ · 3² = 3¹⁺⁵⁺² = 3⁸
Don’t forget 3 = 3¹

14. Order of Operations
To multiply different bases with the same exponents:
Write down the exponent.
Multiply the bases.
3² · 5² · 2² = 30²
Solve the equation to check your work.
9 · 25 · 4 = 900
9 · 100 = 900
900 = 900

15. Order of Operations
Sheila Stueve
Capital City School
Fall 2009