2.1.4. Simplify Expressions Using Order of Operations

Simplify Expressions Using Order of Operations

Mathematicians established some guidelines called the Order of Operations, which outlines the order in which parts of an expression must be simplified.

Order of Operations:

When simplifying mathematical expressions perform the operations in the following order:

1. Parentheses and other Grouping Symbols

• Simplify all expressions inside the parentheses or other grouping symbols, working on the innermost parentheses first.
  • i.e. 2[(4 + 4) - 5] = the innermost one is the parentheses ( ), followed by the brackets [ ], then finally everything outside the grouping symbols.
    • 2[8 - 5]
    • 2[3]
    • 62. 

    2. Exponents

• Simplify all expressions with exponents. (i.e. 23)

    3. Multiplication and Division

• Perform all multiplication and division in order from left to right.
  • IMPORTANT: These operations have equal priority.

    4. Addition and Subtraction

• Perform all addition and subtraction in order from left to right.
  • IMPORTANT: These operations have equal priority.

All together, the anagram for remembering these rules is called PEDMAS