Arithmetic » Basic terms and signs » Sequence of operation
Sequence of Mathematical Operation
The order of operation in a mixed mathematical expression is known as BODMAS, which is expanded as follows.
- Brackets
- Order
- Divide
- Multiply
- Add
- Subtract
Although the bracket is a useful device for grouping terms or quantities, care must be exercised when removing brackets. To remove brackets, multiply out the expression as stated in the following examples.
- 5(2 + 5) = (5 x 2) + (5 x 5) = 10 + 25 = 35
- -3(a – 5) = (-3)(a) – (-3)(-5) = (-3a – 15)