How to Use Order of Operations in Math

Solving mathematical equations is a part of everyday life. If the proper order of solving an arithmetic problem is followed, a correct answer is the result. The order is easy to remember if you use the memory aid of "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" (see Tips below).

Instructions

1. Calculate the numbers within parenthesis and the exponents first. If there is more than one set of parenthesis or more than one exponent, solve from left to right. For example, in the equation 4+(7-3) x (2+24), the first step will be to solve (7-3) and the second step would be to solve (2 +24).

2. Solve the multiplication and division parts of the equation next. Using the equation from above, after solving the parenthesis and exponents, the equation is now 4+4 x 26. If there is more than one multiplication or division problem in the equation, it should be solved from left to right. Since there is only one multiplication sign and no division sign, 4 x 26 is the next part of the equation.

3. Complete the problem by solving the addition and subtraction parts of the equation from left to right as was done with the multiplication and division portion. The equation now reads 4+104, and the answer is 108.

Tips & Warnings

• Please--Parenthesis Excuse--Exponents My--Multiplication Dear--Division Aunt--Addition Sally--Subtraction