Order of Operations

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Slide 1

Order of Operations

Mr. Clutter

VMS Library

Slide 2

Order of Operations

A standard way to simplify mathematical expressions and equations.

Slide 3

Purpose

Avoids Confusion

Gives Consistency

For example:

8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44

Or does it equal

8 + 3 * 4 = 8 + 12 = 20

Slide 4

Order of operations are a set of rules

that mathematicians have agreed to

follow to avoid mass CONFUSION

when simplifying mathematical expressions

or equations. Without these simple, but

important rules, learning mathematics would

be maddening.

Slide 5

The Rules

Simplify within Grouping Symbols

( ), { }, [ ], | |

Simplify Exponents

Raise to Powers

Complete Multiplication and Division from Left to Right

Complete Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right

Slide 6

Back to Our Example

For example:

8 + 3 * 4 = 11 * 4 = 44

Or does it equal

8 + 3 * 4 = 8 + 12 = 20

Using order of operations, we do the

multiplication first. So what’s our

answer?

20

Slide 7

How can we remember it?

Parenthesis - Please

Exponents - Excuse

Multiplication - My

Division - Dear

Addition - Aunt

Subtraction - Sally

Slide 8

Summary

Key points to remember that will give audience confidence or improve morale