Techniques in studying science and math menu

Evaluating Algebraic Expressions

Order of Operations/P.E.M.D.A.S.:

Evaluating algebraic expressions can be a simple process,
but needs to follow an order of operations to get the right answer.
The sequence details the order you follow to
add, subtract, multiply, and divide. The order is:

P.E.M.D.A.S.
Parenthesis | Exponents | Multiplication | Division | Addition | Subtraction

1. Perform the operations inside a parenthesis first
2. Then exponents
3. Then multiplication and division, from left to right
4. Then addition and subtraction, from left to right
5. You can also create a little phrase to memorize, as the sequence:
   Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

Another example:

3 * ( 5 + 8 ) - 2² / 4 + 3

Parenthesis first: 5 + 8 = 13

3 * 13 - 22 / 4 + 3

Exponent next: square the 2 or 2² = 4

3 * 13 - 4 / 4 + 3

Multiplication and Division next (3 * 13) (4 / 4)
left to right:

39 - 1 + 3

Addition and Subtraction next
left to right:

39 - 1 + 3 = 41

Note that we first subtracted 1 from 39 (left to right!),
then added the 3 for the correct answer, 41.

Math series

Math exams | Solving linear equations | Solving math word problems ||
Evaluating algebraic expressions-P.E.M.D.A.S. | | P.E.M.D.A.S. II |
P.E.M.D.A.S. III | Creating and developing spreadsheets |