Order of Operations (BODMAS)
The correct order to complete mathematical calculations is called the 'order of operations'.
BODMAS is an acronym used to help students remember the correct order to complete mathematical operations. Each letter stands for a mathematical operation:
Brackets
( )
Orders
Indices or square roots.
Indices example, 23: the little 3 means you multiply the number 3 times, 2 x 2 x 2 = 8
Square root example, √25 is 5 because 5 x 5 or 52 equals 25.
Division
Splitting in equal parts
Multiplication
Grouping
Addition
The total of numbers together
Subtraction
Take away numbers from other numbers
When you complete a maths number sentence that contains different operation then BODMAS helps you decide which order to complete the operations in.
Anything in Brackets comes first, then Orders, followed by Division or Multiplication, and lastly Addition or Subtraction.
'Division and Multiplication' and 'Addition and Subtraction' are grouped together as they are the same level.
If you have a calculation involving 'division and multiplication' then you complete them as they are written from left to right.
If you have a calculation involving 'addition and subtraction' then you complete them as they are written from left to right.
For example:
10 x (13-8) = 50
Complete the calculation in the brackets first (13-8) = 5, then multiply 10 by the result 10 x 5 = 50.
