Order of Operations

Summary

In this video, Tiffany explains how to solve math problems using the order of operations, highlighting the importance of the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction). She walks viewers through several examples, breaking down each step in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Emphasizing left-to-right solving, she covers topics such as handling parentheses, exponents, and both multiplication/division and addition/subtraction simultaneously. With real-time problem-solving examples, Tiffany helps viewers grasp how to tackle order of operations problems with confidence and accuracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always solve math problems from left to right.
• 😀 Use the acronym PEMDAS to remember the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction.
• 😀 Multiplication and Division are solved at the same time, moving from left to right.
• 😀 Addition and Subtraction are also solved at the same time, from left to right.
• 😀 Parentheses should be solved first, as they take priority in the order of operations.
• 😀 Exponents come after parentheses, and should be solved next.
• 😀 When handling multiplication and division, solve from left to right without prioritizing one over the other.
• 😀 For addition and subtraction, solve them in order from left to right, as they are treated equally.
• 😀 Rewriting the problem after solving each operation step ensures clarity and helps track progress.
• 😀 When encountering nested parentheses, solve the inner problem first before moving on to the outer ones.
• 😀 The goal is to simplify and solve each part step-by-step, following the order strictly, to arrive at the correct answer.

Q & A

What does the acronym PEMDAS stand for?

PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

What is the importance of following the order of operations when solving math problems?

Following the order of operations ensures that mathematical expressions are solved consistently and accurately, leading to the correct result.

How do you handle multiplication and division in the order of operations?

Multiplication and division are handled together in the order of operations and should be solved from left to right, regardless of whether multiplication or division appears first.

Why is it recommended to circle the multiplication and division, and addition and subtraction in PEMDAS?

Circling the multiplication and division, and addition and subtraction helps visually emphasize that these operations are solved from left to right, making it easier to follow the correct sequence.

In example 1, what is the final answer and how is it reached?

The final answer is 22. The multiplication (5 * 2) is solved first, resulting in 10, then the subtraction (32 - 10) gives the final answer of 22.

How do you approach problems with exponents in the order of operations?

When encountering exponents, you solve them first before moving on to multiplication or division, as exponents have higher precedence in the order of operations.

In example 2, what steps were followed to solve the expression 12 + 30 ÷ 6 - 2^2?

The first step was solving the exponent (2^2 = 4). Then, the division (30 ÷ 6 = 5) was solved, followed by addition (12 + 5 = 17), and finally, subtraction (17 - 4 = 13).

What is the difference between parentheses and brackets in mathematical expressions?

Parentheses are used to group operations and indicate that the operations within them should be completed first. Brackets serve a similar purpose, often used when parentheses are nested within another set of parentheses to avoid confusion.

Why is it necessary to solve expressions inside parentheses first, as demonstrated in example 3?

Parentheses override the standard order of operations, indicating that the operations inside them should be performed first. This ensures that the correct result is obtained when incorporating the solution back into the larger expression.

In example 5, how do you handle the expression with brackets and multiple operations?

In example 5, you first solve the operations inside the brackets, starting with exponents, followed by division, then addition, and subtraction, following the correct order of operations step-by-step.