We are aware of the mathematical operators like addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division, and if we have multiple operators and operands together, it becomes an expression or equation. Did you know that there is actually a specific order in which mathematical equations are solved? BODMAS rule and PEMDAS are the two rules which define that order.

BODMAS is an acronym for Brackets, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. These rules tell you which operation to do first in a series of operations. PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents (or Square Roots), Multiplication (or Division), and Addition (or Subtraction). It also tells you the order of operations within each section. BODMAS and PEMDAS are very important when doing mathematics.

By following these basic rules, you can ensure that the problem solving is being done correctly, and there will be no room for error. This also makes it easier for someone else to read your work and understand what you have done in the problems that you have solved. We will see below a couple of examples or cases on how to use BODMAS or PEMDAS.

Example: Solve (8-8) * 2

(8-8) * 2 (As per the rule we solve the parentheses first)

= 0 * 2 = 0

Next, if we have exponential values like for example solve : 32+ 2.

32+ 2 = 9 + 2 = 11 ( solve the exponent before proceeding to addition)

Next, depending upon which operator comes first when reading the expression left to right, if there are any multiplications or divisions in the expression, solve them. For example, consider the below expression:

(6-4) / 2 * 2 + 32 + 4 (FIRST : solve the parentheses)

= 2 / 2 * 2 + 9 + 4 (SECOND : solve the exponent)

= 1 * 2 + 9 + 4 ( THIRD : solve multiplication or division whichever comes first from left)

= 2 + 9 + 4 (FOURTH : solve the multiplication) = 15

Next, depending upon which operator comes first from the left, if there are any additions or subtractions in the expression. For example,

(10-9) * 1 – 2 + 42 / 4 + 4 (FIRST : solving the parenthesis)

= 1 * 1 – 2 + 16 / 4 + 4 (Second : solve the exponent)

= 1 – 2 + 16 / 4 + 4 (THIRD : solve the multiplication)

= 1 – 2 + 4 + 4 (FOURTH : solve the division)

= – 1 + 8 (FIFTH : solve the subtraction)

= 7 (SIXTH: solve the addition)

The order in which the operations are to be done are as below:

  • Brackets/ Parentheses: like () or braces {} or brackets like [] and fraction bars
  • Exponents also include fractional exponents like roots
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Addition
  • Subtraction

To summarize, an easy way to memorize BODMAS rule is to follow the following steps:

  • Solving brackets first
  • Solving exponential terms next
  • Solve division or multiplication (left to right)
  • Solve addition or subtraction, left to right

Math worksheets are a best way to practice on the BODMAS problems and gain a better understanding. Many such worksheets are available easily across online platforms. One such online platform named Cuemath which is a leading brand name in kids education has a lot of worksheets catering to the different age groups of children depending on their aptitude level. Students can easily download these worksheets for free and can also print them. Daily practice of these worksheets will induce a better understanding of the math concepts. Also it will enable them to think and explore in a variety of ways thereby enhancing their creativity towards problem solving. The BODMAS concept is an important concept in math and if learnt well will help the kids speed up their calculations. This will not only help them in their exams but also will sharpen their mental math skills.