Basic Math: How to Perform PEMDAS Correctly

There is only one definite answer to every arithmetic problem that requires the concept called order of operations.

PEMDAS is an acronym used to mention the order of operations to be followed while solving expressions having multiple operations. PEMDAS stands for P- Parentheses, E-Exponents, M- Multiplication, D- Division, A- Addition, and S- Subtraction.

For example, when you go grocery shopping. Pretend almonds cost $4.00 per pound, and a bottle of water is $1.00. You get two pounds of almonds and one bottle of water.

How much are you going to have to pay?

Since one pound of almonds is $4.00 and you purchased two pounds, the almonds will cost $8.00. Add that to what you pay for the water ($1.00), and the total is $7.00.

Pretty simple, right? Chances are you figured this out without any major issues. However, if you were presented with the problem in a different way, for example, you may not solve it correctly.

For example, if you were given:

2 x 3 + 1

With this problem, you may have added the three and one first, then multiply the result by two. Solving this way provides an answer of eight, which is not equal to seven.

To arrive at the correct answer, you have to multiply first.

When making computations, always make sure to follow the rules of the order of operations.

Rule 1 – The Order

If any grouping symbols are present, such as parentheses, perform the operations inside the symbols first. Then, evaluate expressions with exponents. Next, multiply and divide from left to right. Last, add and subtract left from right.

Rule 2 – PEMDAS

No one expects you to just memorize the order of operations. It’s tedious and somewhat challenging for some. The good news is, there is a mnemonic that can help you.

PEMDAS – Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

In PEMDAS, the “P” means parentheses, the “E” is for exponents, the “M” indicates multiplication, the “D” is for division, the “A” for adding, and “S” stands for subtraction. You can use this even if you don’t see the operations successively in a problem.

Remember, if you see multiplication and division in a problem, you should do the operations from left to right.

If you don’t care for Please Excuse My Deal Aunt Sally to remember PEDMAS, then you may like “Popcorn Each Monday Drinks Always Saturday,” or “People Everywhere Made Decisions About Sums.” If none of those seem to work, make up your own. Once you remember the order of operations, you are ready to take the algebra world by storm.