How do you use the order of operations to solve math problems?

The order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, is a set of rules used in arithmetic to determine the sequence in which operations should be performed when solving a math problem. The acronym PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). By following this order, you can avoid making common mistakes and ensure that your answers are correct.

Here's an example: let's say you have the following math problem: 5 + 6 x 2 - 3

First, you would need to solve any expressions inside parentheses. There aren't any in this problem, so you would move on to the next step.

The next step is to solve any exponents. Again, there aren't any in this problem, so you would move on to the next step.

The next step is to perform any multiplication or division, working from left to right. In this case, you would multiply 6 by 2, which equals 12. The problem would now look like this: 5 + 12 - 3.

Finally, you would perform any addition or subtraction, working from left to right. In this case, you would first add 5 and 12, which equals 17. The problem would now look like this: 17 - 3.

Finally, you would subtract 3 from 17, which equals 14. So the answer to the problem is 14.