The Order of Operations For Solving Algebra Math Problems
1. Brackets2. Exponents
3. Multiplication and Division
4. Addition and Subtraction
All should be solved from left to right.
Multiplication and division have the same order.
Addition and Subtraction have the same order
If a problem (equation) has brackets, and exponents, then solve them first, from left to right.
Then, solve for the multiplication and division, from left to right.
Then, solve for the addition and subtraction, from left to right.
Practising your problem solving following these rules, makes problem solving easier and you will become skilled at it with the more problems you complete.
Practice Solving Problems - Order Of Operations
FYI: 'Simplify', means to solve the math problem, using the order of operations
Simplify the Problems:Multiplication and Division, Subtraction
24 - 6 x 2 - 10 ÷ 2 = solve the multiplication, then the division
24 - 12 - 5 = now minus 24 from 12, which is 12, and give the sign of the larger value, which is a positive sign
12 - 5 = now minus 12 from 5, and give the sign of the larger value, which is a positive sign
Answer: 7
Exponent, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
6 + 3³ - 2 x 1 =solve first for the exponent 3³
6 + 9 - 2 x 1 =
then for the multiplication 2 x 1
15 - 2 =
then for the subtraction, 15 minus 2 equals 13 then give the sign of the larger value, positive
Answer: 13
Brackets, Exponent, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
22 + (2)² - 16 ÷ 1 = solve for what's in brackets, exponents first, (2)²
22 + 4 - 16 ÷ 1 =
then solve for division, 16 ÷ 1
22 + 4 - 16 = then perform the addition 22 + 4
26 - 16 = the perform the subtraction, 26 - 16, 26 minus 16, then give the sign of the larger value,positive
Answer: 10
SIMPLIFY THESE PROBLEMS
6 - 3² + 6 =
5² - 4 x 15 ÷ 3 =
Answers:
6 - 3² + 6 =
6 - 9 + 6 =
6 - 15 =
-9 Answer
5² - 4 x 15 ÷ 3 =
25 - 4 x 15 ÷ 3 =
25 - 4 x 5 =
25 - 20 =
5 Answer