Arithmetic is considered the simplest branch of mathematics which applies numerical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers to calculate a final result number. Arithmetic can be expanded to also include solving numbers and numeric equations expressed as exponents.
When multiple operations are present in an equation to solve, a specific order in which those operations are executed must be applied to calculate the correct number.
A good acronym to remember is PEMDAS to execute the correct order of operations:
P = parentheses
E = exponents
M = multiplication
D = division
A = addition
S = subtraction
If two or more of the same order of operation exist within the same equation, they are prioritized from left to right.
The image walks through a large equation and solves it based on PEMDAS.
Here are some examples of how equations with multiple operations can be calculated in the correct order:
- 22 x 3 + 4 = 16
- (8 – 6) X 2 = 4
- 8 – -6 = 14
- 6 – 10 / 2 = 1
- 11 + (2 x 3) – (11 + 6 ÷ 2) + 15 = 18
- 2 x (-7 + 4 x 22) – 32 = 9
