Mathematics of Order of Operations
The order of operations is a very simple, but a very important rule. So important, in fact, that you will have to abide by it in every math problem you encounter....ever!
It concerns the order in which these operations need to be performed. The order of operations lists mathematical operations in order in which they should be performed in a mathematical expression, from highest to lowest priority.
Here is that list:
These rules dictate that, to carry out the computations of an arithmetic
expression, evaluate the expressions in parentheses first,then exponents, then multiplications and divisions, then
additions and subtractions, and always do this from left to right (Wu, 2007).
These rules may sound simple, but these words contain more than meets the eye. Watch the following video to learn what the Order of Operations are and how to use them!!
Video: Introduction to Order of Operations
Use this Geogebra applet to practice using the Order of Operations.Applet: Order of Operations
