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 ofMathsNumeracy
Some calculations involve more than one operation (for example adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing).
The order you carry out these operations in will produce different answers, so the order in which a calculation is carried out is important.
One way to remember the correct order is with the word BODMAS. BODMAS stands for:
What is \(2 + 3 \times 4\) ?
If we calculate the \(2 + 3\) part first, we get:
\((2 + 3) \times 4\)
\(= 5 \times 4 = 20\)
If we calculate the \(3 \times 4\) part first, we get:
\(2 + (3 \times 4)\)
\(= 2 + 12 = 14\)
These are obviously two different answers - but which one is correct?
BODMAS tells us that 'multiplication' comes before 'addition', so the second answer is correct:
\(2 + 3 \times 4 = 2 + 12 = 14\)
What is \(4+(2+3)^2\)?
This calculation involves 'addition', 'brackets' and 'power of'.
BODMAS tells us the order of operation is Brackets then Of then Addition:
