Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Evaluate Expressions Using Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) or BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction) clarifies the sequence in which to tackle operations. For example, to evaluate 3 + 2 × (5 – 2)², start inside parentheses: (5 – 2) = 3, then exponents: 3² = 9, next multiplication: 2 × 9 = 18, and finally addition: 3 + 18 = 21. Following this strict hierarchy prevents confusion and ensures consistent results across all math problems. This concept underpins everything from basic arithmetic to advanced algebra, guaranteeing accurate calculations in daily life—like computing tax on multiple items or analyzing complex spreadsheet formulas.

Practice Questions

A sum triples in 20 years at simple interest. What is the rate of interest per annum?

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If a:b = 3:4 and b:c = 5:6, what is a:c?

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The sides of a triangle are 5 cm, 12 cm, and 13 cm. What type of triangle is it?

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If x² - 9x + 18 = 0, what are the roots of the equation?

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What is the cube of 4?

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If a = 5 and b = 12, what is the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle?

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What is the value of log₃(27)?

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A train 150 m long passes a pole in 15 seconds. What is its speed?

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How many diagonals does a pentagon have?

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If sin(A) = 1/2 and A is acute, what is the value of A?

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