Tutoring Center 972-860-2974
Room C209
Order of Operations
We solve mathematical problems using the following order.
1. Perform all operations within parentheses ( ), brackets [ ], or other grouping
symbols such as fraction bars or square roots.
2. Evaluate any expressions with exponents.
3. Multiply or divide in order from left to right.
4. Add or subtract in order from left to right.
Example:
1. Simplify: 2 x 4 – 3 / 3
There are no parentheses and no exponents, so we start by multiplying and
dividing, from left to right
2 x 4 – 3/ 3 = 8 – 3 / 3 Multiply
= 8 – 1 Divide
= 7 Subtract
2. Simplify: (8 – 6)^2 + 2^3 x 3
(8 – 6)^2 + 2^3 x 3 = 2^2 + 2^3 x 3 Simplify inside parentheses
4 + 8 x 3 Evaluate exponents
= 4 + 24 Multiply
= 28 Add
Updated 2-16-09