A simple explanation of the order of operations.

1. ORDER OF OPERATIONS

2. OBJECTIVE
Find the value of expressions using the order of
operations.
Order of Operations: A set of rules which are followed
when evaluating an expression with more than one
operation.
VOCABULARY

3. PROCEDURE:

4. BEWARE!
• When you see the symbol below, beware of steps where
mistakes are commonly made.

5. EXAMPLE 1A
Find the value of the expression. 8(−3+7) – 2 ∙ 5
Step 1: Simply any expressions within parenthesis. Then rewrite
the expression:
8(−3+7) – 2 ∙ 5 =
Step 2: Simplify any multiplication or division from left to right.
8(4) – 2 ∙ 5 = 32 – 10
Step 3: Once expression no longer has any operations, you are
finished.
22 -------------------------> 8(−3+7) – 2 ∙ 5 = 22

6. WHY?
• Math can get a little complicated like the equation
below. If we do not have a process to simplify
complicated expressions, it would be easy to get fouled
up.

7. EXAMPLE 1B
Find the value of the expression. 52 + |3 – 8| ÷ 5
Step 1: Simplify inside grouping symbols.
52 + |3 – 8| ÷ 5
Step 2: Simplify any fraction/absolute value bars.
52 + | –5| ÷ 5
Step 3: Simplify any exponents.
52 + 5 ÷ 5

8. EXAMPLE 1B-CONT.
Step 4: Simplify any multiplication OR division from
left to right.
25 + 5 ÷ 5
Step 5: Simplify any addition or subtraction from left
tot right.
25 + 1
26

9. Jakim’s family took a vacation. The plane tickets cost a
total of $840, the hotel cost $250 and gas cost $130.
There are 5 people in Jakim’s family. Solve the
expression used to find the cost per person.
Step 1: Simplify above and below fraction bars.
Step 2: Simplify multiplication/division from left to
right.
EXAMPLE 2
5
130250840 

5
1220
personper244$

10. CONCLUSION
We use the order of operations in math to ensure that
everyone doing the math, arrives at the same answer. If
everyone used a different method, math would be extra
confusing.