BODMAS

Definition of BODMAS

  • BODMAS is an acronym used to remember the correct order of operations in mathematical calculations.
  • BODMAS stands for: Brackets, Orders (powers and square roots, etc.), Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction.

Applying BODMAS

  • When multiple mathematical operations are performed in a single equation, they should be done in this order: brackets, orders, division or multiplication (from left to right), and addition or subtraction (from left to right).
  • Example: Simplify 2(3 + 7)^2 / 10 - 4. Applying BODMAS gives 20 - 4, so the answer is 16.

Concepts in BODMAS

Brackets

  • Brackets in an equation need to be evaluated first.
  • Different types of brackets are used in mathematics such as: Parentheses ( ), Braces { }, Square brackets [ ].
  • If multiple brackets are used, start from innermost brackets and move to outer ones.

Orders

  • ‘Orders’ in BODMAS stands for indices, roots, and other exponents.
  • Always simplify terms with orders (squares, square roots, etc.) before performing basic math operations.

Division and Multiplication

  • Division and multiplication should be done from left to right once Brackets and Orders have been evaluated.
  • Example: In the equation 48 ÷ 2(9 + 3), the division and multiplication operations are at the same level. So the division is done first, which gives 24(12) and then multiplication gives the final answer of 288.

Addition and Subtraction

  • Addition and subtraction should be performed from left to right, after division and multiplication operations have been carried out.
  • Example: In the equation 20 - 4 + 6, the subtraction is done first because it comes before the addition operation when read from left to right. So the first calculation is 16 + 6, giving the final answer of 22.

Common Mistakes with BODMAS

  • Misunderstanding the order of Division and Multiplication: They should be done from left to right, not necessarily division before multiplication.
  • Misunderstanding the order of Addition and Subtraction: They should also be done from left to right, not necessarily addition before subtraction.
  • Neglecting to apply BODMAS rule when equation involves brackets: Always solve the operations in brackets first.