1. ORDER OF OPERATIONS
Making Sense of Math

2. Order of Operations
Operations are any action that changes numbers such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
The Order of Operations refers to the order in which you will complete an equation
There are specific steps you must take whenever you have multiple operations (add, subtract, etc). If you do not follow the right order, you can end up with a very WRONG answer!

3. B*E*D*M*A*S The Mnemonic Device
A mnemonic (new-mon-ik) device is anything that helps you remember information
The common device used in Math to help you remember the Order of Operations is…
B*E*D*M*A*S
Brackets Exponents Division Multiply Addition Subtract

4. B*E*D*M*A*S
The ‘B’ in BEDMAS stands for Brackets!
In an equation, ALWAYS complete the operations INSIDE any brackets FIRST!
E.g: (5 - 1) x 3
We first complete the operation IN the brackets
5 – 1 = 4
We now know the value of the operation inside the brackets and can complete the equation!
(4) x 3  4 x 3 = 12!

5. B*E*D*M*A*S (4)² is 4 squared which equals 4 x 4  = 16
The ‘E’ in BEDMAS stands for Exponent!
Once you have completed every operation in brackets, apply the exponents in the equation
E.g. (5-1)² x 3
First we solve the brackets
5 – 1 = 4
Then we apply the exponent
(4)² is 4 squared which equals 4 x 4  = 16
Lastly, we complete the equation by finishing the operation
16 x 3 = 48

6. B*E*D*M*A*S 4 x 3 + 5 *Is this 4 x 8? 4 x 3 = 12 12 + 5 = 17
The ‘D’ and ‘M’ stand for Divide and Multiply!
Once all of the bracket and/or exponent operations are complete, you can do all of the division or multiplication in the equation!
4 x *Is this 4 x 8?
We will complete the multiplication first!
4 x 3 = 12
= 17

7. B*E*D*M*A*S (9-1) + (6x3) – 2 = ? (8) + (18) – 2 26 – 2 = 24!
Lastly, the ‘A’ and the ‘S’ stand for Add and Subtract!
Adding or subtracting is always the last thing you should be doing in an equation unless it is inside a bracket!
You will only add or subtract after EVERY other operation has been done: solve the brackets, multiply, and divide
(9-1) + (6x3) – 2 = ?
(8) + (18) – 2
26 – 2 = 24!