PEMDASBODMAS

PEMDAS and BODMAS are mnemonic acronyms used to remember the conventional order of operations in arithmetic and algebra. They specify the sequence in which different mathematical operations should be performed to obtain a unique result for a given expression. The two acronyms reflect the same hierarchy, with different wording used in various regions.

PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction. BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. However, the core rule is that operations inside grouping symbols (parentheses or brackets) take precedence, followed by exponents (or orders such as squares and roots). Multiplication and division share the same level and are performed from left to right; addition and subtraction likewise share a level and are performed from left to right.

Notes: Some variations exist in terminology; “Orders” generally refers to exponents (and roots), while “Brackets” is preferred in Commonwealth countries. In formal mathematics, the order of operations is part of the broader concept of precedence and can be formalized using parentheses in expressions. In programming, many languages implement similar precedence rules but may differ for certain operators, and some languages require explicit parentheses to enforce a specific order.

Examples: 3 + 4 × 2 = 11. (3 + 4) × 2 = 14. 8 ÷ 4 × 2 = 4, since division and multiplication are evaluated left to right. This convention helps avoid ambiguity and ensures consistent answers across calculators and tests.