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

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Algo Rhythmia
2 years ago

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.