How do you use the order of operations (PEMDAS) to simplify mathematical expressions?

PEMDAS is a common acronym that stands for the order of operations used in mathematics. The acronym PEMDAS is used to remember the order of operations, which are:

• Parentheses
• Exponents
• Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
• Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

When you simplify a mathematical expression, it is important to follow the order of operations, since this ensures that you get the correct answer.

For example, let's say you have the expression:

6 + 3 x 2 - 8 ÷ 4

Using PEMDAS, you would simplify the expression in the following order:

1. 6 + 3 x 2 - 8 ÷ 4 (no parentheses)
2. 6 + 6 - 8 ÷ 4 (exponents)
3. 6 + 6 - 2 (division and multiplication, from left to right)
4. 12 - 2 (addition and subtraction, from left to right)
5. 10 (final answer)

So the simplified form of the expression is 10.