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Order of operationsWorked example

Select and carry out calculations in the correct order of precedence using the ‘rules’ of BODMAS (Brackets then Of then Division then Multiplication then Addition and Subtraction).

Part of Application of MathsNumeracy

Worked example

Calculate: \(3 \times (7 - 3)\)

Solution

BODMAS tells us that brackets come first, so we calculate:

\(3 \times (7 - 3) = 3 \times 4 = 12\)

Question

Calculate \(2 + 3 \times 5 - 4\)

Question

Paula says that \(2 \times 3 - 2 \times 5 = - 4\)

Steve says the answer is \(10\). Who is right, and why?

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