Understanding the Order of Operations in Mathematics
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Chapter 1: The Significance of Mathematics
Mathematics serves as a universal language, essential for understanding various concepts in science and technology.
Photo by Jerry Wang on Unsplash
On social media, we often see simple math problems, such as those involving addition or multiplication, that attract considerable attention. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle to answer these problems correctly. This article aims to help you navigate these straightforward challenges.
PEMDAS is an essential mnemonic device that aids in recalling the sequence of operations necessary for solving mathematical equations. The acronym stands for “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally,” and each letter corresponds to a specific operation in the correct order.
When we break down PEMDAS, we see that the hierarchy of operations is as follows:
- P: Parentheses
- E: Exponents
- MD: Multiplication & Division (from Left to Right)
- AS: Addition & Subtraction (from Left to Right)
The highest priority is given to operations within parentheses, which should be calculated first. Next, we tackle exponents—expressions raised to a power. Following that, we perform multiplication and division from left to right, as these operations hold equal precedence. Finally, we address addition and subtraction, also from left to right.
To illustrate, let’s evaluate the expression: 12 ÷ 2 - 4 + (8 × 4) = ?
- Start with the parentheses: 12 ÷ 2 - 4 + 32
- Then perform the division: 6 - 4 + 32
- Next, proceed with subtraction: 2 + 32
- Finally, we arrive at the result: 34
The video "PEMDAS (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally) Permanently!!" provides an engaging overview of this vital concept in mathematics, helping to solidify your understanding of the order of operations.
Math Challenges
While some may find these problems straightforward, many still make mistakes when solving them.
The video "PEMDAS Order of Operations - Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally - Algebra ✓" offers additional insights into the order of operations, helping you grasp this fundamental principle.
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