Solving equations using order of operations

The order of operations tells you which steps to do first.

A way to remember that order is PEMDAS – each letter stands for a mathematical operation:

• Step 1: Perform operations inside parentheses.
• Step 2: Evaluate exponents.
• Step 3: Multiply and divide from left to right.
• Step 4: Add and subtract from left to right.

Example:

Solve for d: (16 − 11)(9) = d

Solution:

Be sure to follow the order of operations.

Step1:

Subtract within the parentheses

(5)(9) = d

Step 2:

Multiply

5 x 9 = 45

Answer: d = 45