Order of Operations (PEMDAS / BODMAS) Made Simple
When an expression mixes operations, you cannot just work left to right. There is an agreed order — PEMDAS (US) or BODMAS (UK) — so everyone gets the same answer.
The order
PEMDAS and BODMAS are the same rule with different names:
- •P/B: Parentheses / Brackets first.
- •E/O: Exponents / Orders (powers and roots).
- •MD: Multiplication and Division, left to right.
- •AS: Addition and Subtraction, left to right.
Worked example
Solve 2 + 3 × 4. Multiplication comes before addition: 3 × 4 = 12, then 2 + 12 = 14. (Not 20.)
Solve (2 + 3) × 4. Brackets first: 2 + 3 = 5, then 5 × 4 = 20.
The trap to avoid
Multiplication and division have equal priority — do them left to right, not all multiplication then all division. Same for addition and subtraction. 8 ÷ 2 × 2 = 8, because you divide first (left), then multiply.
Frequently asked questions
Are PEMDAS and BODMAS different?
No — they describe the same order. "Exponents/Orders" and "Parentheses/Brackets" are just different words.
Do multiplication and division really tie?
Yes. When only multiplication and division remain, work strictly left to right.