Order of Operations CES Online LP Library

Order of Operations

A standard way to simplify mathematical expressions and equations.

Purpose  Avoids Confusion  Gives Consistency

For example: 8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44 Or does it equal 8 + 3 * 4 = 8 + 12 = 20

Order of operations are a set of rules that mathematicians have agreed to follow to avoid mass CONFUSION when simplifying mathematical expressions or equations. Without these simple, but important rules, learning mathematics would be maddening.

The Rules 1.

2.

3.

4.

Simplify within Grouping Symbols ( ), { }, [ ], | | Simplify Exponents Raise to Powers Complete Multiplication and Division from Left to Right Complete Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right

Back to Our Example

For example: 8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44 Or does it equal 8 + 3 * 4 = 8 + 12 = 20

Using order of operations, we do the multiplication first. So what’s our answer?

20

How can we remember it?

 Parenthesis  Exponents  Multiplication  Division  Addition  Subtraction Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

Summary  Key points to remember that will give audience confidence or improve morale

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