Order of Operations

Learn the special order for solving math problems with PEMDAS!

What is PEMDAS?

When a problem has multiple operations, we follow a special order. PEMDAS tells us what to do first!

P

Parentheses

Solve inside ( ) or [ ] first!

1st
E

Exponents

Powers like 3² = 3 x 3 = 9

2nd

M and D are partners! Do them left to right.

M

Multiplication

Times: 4 x 5 = 20

3rd (tie)
D

Division

Divide: 20 ÷ 4 = 5

3rd (tie)

A and S are partners! Do them left to right.

A

Addition

Plus: 7 + 8 = 15

4th (tie)
S

Subtraction

Minus: 15 - 6 = 9

4th (tie)

Memory Helper!

"Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"

Example 1: 8 + 4 x 3

8 + 4 x 3 = ?
1
Check for Parentheses - None!
2
Check for Exponents - None!
3
Multiply first: 4 x 3 = 12
8 + 12
4
Now add: 8 + 12
= 20

Watch Out!

Wrong way: 8 + 4 = 12, then 12 x 3 = 36

Right way: First 4 x 3 = 12, then 8 + 12 = 20

Remember: Multiply BEFORE you add!

Example 2: (5 + 3) x 2²

(5 + 3) x 2² = ?
1
Parentheses first: (5 + 3) = 8
8 x 2²
2
Exponents next: 2² = 2 x 2 = 4
8 x 4
3
Now multiply: 8 x 4
= 32

Example 3: 20 ÷ 4 x 2 + 6

20 ÷ 4 x 2 + 6 = ?
1
No P or E. Start with M/D left to right: 20 ÷ 4 = 5
5 x 2 + 6
2
Continue M/D left to right: 5 x 2 = 10
10 + 6
3
Finally add: 10 + 6
= 16

Now You Try!

1 6 + 2 x 5 = _____

Show your steps:

2 (7 - 3) x 4 = _____

Show your steps:

3 3² + 5 x 2 = _____

Show your steps:

FAST Success Kit | Grade 5 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: MA.5.AR.2.2