Notes: Order of Operations

1
NotesOrder of Operations

• 11-3-04

2
Add these to your Dictionary Section.

• Order of operations The rules to follow when
  more than one operation is used.
• 1. Do all powers before other operations.
• Do all multiplications and divisions from left
  to right.
• Then do all additions and subtractions from left
  to right.
• Exponents In a power, the number of times the
  base is used as a factor. In 53 the exponent is
  3. That is, 53 5X 5 X5

3
PEMDAS PYRAMIDWe will use this pyramid to help
us remember the Order of Operations.
When you solve a problem, you will start at the
top of the pyramid and work your way down.
4
What does PEMDAS stand for?
We always evaluate what is inside a set of
parentheses first.
( )
Example In 52 X (43), we would solve because
it is inside the parentheses.
5
What does PEMDAS stand for?
We always evaluate an exponent second.
E
Example In 52 X (43), we would solve 43
because it is inside the parentheses.
6
What does PEMDAS stand for?
M D
X /
We always evaluate an multiplication and division
third.
7
What happens if there is multiplication and
division in the same problem?
You would work from left to right and do
whichever operation came first. Here are two
examples

• Example 1 5 X 6/3
• Solution 1 5X6 equals 30, and 30/3 equals 10.

Example 2 40 / 5X3 Solution 2 40/5 equals
8, and 8X3 equals 24.
8
What does PEMDAS stand for?
The MD stands for Multiplication and Division.
A S
-
We always evaluate an multiplication and division
third.
9
What happens if there is addition and subtraction
in the same problem?
You would work from left to right and do
whichever operation came first. Here are two
examples

• Example 1 5 6 -10
• Solution 1 56 equals 11, and 11-10 equals 1.

Example 2 25 -8 10 Solution 2 25- 8 equals
17, and 1710 equals 27.
10
Lets put is all together
P ( )
E
M D
X /
A S
-
11
How can we remember the Order of Operations?

• With PEMDAS!!!!
• Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

Can you think of another acronym that would
help you remember PEMDAS?