FoundationsBeginner
Mastering the Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
Why does 2 + 3 × 4 equal 14 and not 20? The order of operations keeps math consistent for everyone, everywhere.
Mathew JoaneAugust 14, 20266 min read
If everyone evaluated expressions in a different order, we would all get different answers. The order of operations is the agreed-upon set of rules that keeps mathematics consistent.
The PEMDAS order
- Parentheses first — anything grouped together.
- Exponents next — powers and roots.
- Multiplication and Division, left to right.
- Addition and Subtraction, left to right.
Worked example
2 + 3 × 4
- 1There are no parentheses or exponents, so handle multiplication first: 3 × 4 = 12.
- 2Now add: 2 + 12 = 14.
A trickier one
(6 - 2)² ÷ 4 + 1
- 1Parentheses: 6 - 2 = 4, giving 4² ÷ 4 + 1.
- 2Exponent: 4² = 16, giving 16 ÷ 4 + 1.
- 3Division: 16 ÷ 4 = 4, giving 4 + 1.
- 4Addition: 4 + 1 = 5.
Get comfortable with this order now — it shows up in every single topic that follows, from simplifying expressions to evaluating formulas.
Written by Mathew Joane
Algebra teacher on a mission to make math feel less like memorizing and more like understanding.