Order of Operations

 

There is a certain order that things have to be done.

 

1) Parentheses (starting with the innermost)

2) Powers (exponents)

3) Multiplication and Division (left to right)

4) Addition and subtraction (left to right)

 

Example

7 (3 + 2)

First do the innermost parentheses

(3 + 2) = 5

7 (5)

Next do the multiplication 7(5) = 35.

35

Answer!

 

 

Example

(4 – 1) ²

Do the innermost parentheses (4-1) = 3.

3 ²

All that is left is 3 ².

9

Answer!

 

 

 

Example

 

Do the innermost parentheses (8- 4).

 

 

Now do the exponents (4) ² = 16.

 

 

Moving on, do 2(16) next, because on the next level (multiplication and division) one should go from left to right.

 

Divide 32 by 2 getting 16.

 

 

Do the lowest level 1 – 16

 

Answer!