Learn: Mastering the Order of Operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS)

Welcome!I've looked at your growth areas and created this lesson to help strengthen your understanding of mastering the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS). By the end of this lesson, you'll feel confident solving problems using the correct order of operations.

What is BIDMAS/BODMAS?BIDMAS (or BODMAS) is an acronym that helps us remember the correct order of operations for solving a mathematical expression. It ensures calculations are done in the correct sequence to get the right answer.

What does BIDMAS stand for?B stands for brackets, I stands for indices (powers and roots), D stands for division, M stands for multiplication, A stands for addition, and S stands for subtraction.Some people use BODMAS, where O stands for order instead of indices, but they mean the same thing!

Why is BIDMAS important?When solving mathematical expressions, using BIDMAS ensures that we perform operations in the right order. If we don't follow this order, we may end up with the wrong answer.For example, the answer to 2 + 3 × 5 is not the same if you add first instead of multiplying first. BIDMAS helps us get consistent and correct results.

How does BIDMAS work?BIDMAS tells us which operations to complete first. Always start with brackets, then indices, followed by division or multiplication, and finish with addition or subtraction.If division and multiplication appear together, solve them from left to right. The same rule applies for addition and subtraction.

Common Mistakes to AvoidOne common mistake is performing operations in the wrong order. For example, in 6 + 3 × 2, adding first gives 18, which is incorrect.Another mistake is forgetting to apply BIDMAS inside brackets. Always follow BIDMAS rules within brackets first before moving outside.

Working with BracketsWhen an expression contains brackets, solve everything inside the brackets first before moving to other operations outside.For example, in the expression (3 + 5) × 2, you add 3 + 5 first because of the brackets, then multiply by 2.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about BIDMAS and how to use it correctly. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.

Great job!You’ve completed the lesson on mastering the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS). Keep practising to strengthen your understanding, and remember to always follow the correct sequence of operations!