Algebra 1 Tutorial
Order of Operations
Intro
Here we will be discussing the topic of “Order of Operations.”
Many math students find simplifying an expression to be daunting at first because they do not know which steps to take as there appears to be multiple options.
To clarify, the order of operations is ALWAYS:
P: Parenthesis
E: Exponents
M: Multiplication
D: Division
A: Addition
S: Subtraction
This is commonly referred to as PEMDAS. A common mnemonic is “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, where the beginning letters spell out “PEMDAS,” & is easier to remember.
If you follow PEMDAS you will come up with the correct answer.
Sample Problem
Solution
Remember! PEMDAS (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction)
A.) 2 x 3 + 2^2
**Always work left to right**
Step 1, calculate exponents: PEMDAS
2(3) + 2^2 ; 2^2 = 4
Expression now becomes:
2(3) + 4
Step 2, multiply PEMDAS
2(3) + 4; 2(3) = 6
Step 3, addition: PEMDAS
6 + 4 = 10
Therefore, the entire expression is equal to 10.
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