When solving mathematical expressions, the order of operations is crucial to ensure the correct result. Both BEDMAS and PEMDAS are acronyms used to remember the order of operations, but they are essentially the same concept with different names.
BEDMAS stands for Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. The key difference is the order of Division and Multiplication, but in practice, multiplication and division are performed from left to right, as are addition and subtraction.
Here’s how to apply them:
1. **Brackets/Parentheses**: Solve expressions inside brackets or parentheses first.
2. **Exponents**: Next, solve any exponents or powers.
3. **Division and Multiplication**: Perform these operations from left to right.
4. **Addition and Subtraction**: Finally, perform these operations from left to right.
For example, in the expression 3 + 6 × (5 + 4) ÷ 3 – 7:
1. Solve the parentheses: 5 + 4 = 9.
2. Now the expression is 3 + 6 × 9 ÷ 3 – 7.
3. Perform multiplication and division from left to right: 6 × 9 = 54, then 54 ÷ 3 = 18.
4. Now the expression is 3 + 18 – 7.
5. Perform addition and subtraction from left to right: 3 + 18 = 21, then 21 – 7 = 14.
So, whether you use BEDMAS or PEMDAS, the result will be the same as long as you follow the correct order of operations.