The order of operations is the order you work out the parts of an equation to give you the correct answer.
BIDMAS is an acronym used to tell you the correct order to complete a equation when there are different operations.
BIDMAS stands for Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.
BIDMAS
Brackets refers to any part of the equation that is in brackets. These should always be complete first.
Indices simply means to the power of. For example, 3² or 5³.
Division and Multiplication: Starting from the left, work these out in the order that they appear in the equation. If multiplication appears first you should complete this before division.
Addition and Subtraction: Also start from the left and work these out in the order that they appear in the equation. If subtraction appears before addition, you should complete this first.
It can be helpful to write 'BIDMAS' in the margin of your paper and use it as a checklist.
BIDMAS
Brackets refers to any part of the equation that is in brackets. These should always be complete first.
Indices simply means to the power of. For example, 3² or 5³.
Division and Multiplication: Starting from the left, work these out in the order that they appear in the equation. If multiplication appears first you should complete this before division.
Addition and Subtraction: Also start from the left and work these out in the order that they appear in the equation. If subtraction appears before addition, you should complete this first.
It can be helpful to write 'BIDMAS' in the margin of your paper and use it as a checklist.
Find out how to use the BIDMAS method to solve an equation.
Image caption, WHAT YOU NEED - Pens, ruler, calculator and something to write on.
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