Arithmetic

Dec 4, 2025

2 pages

Mastering the Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

EmilyD @milyebnath_tjeg

PEMDAS is a rule that tells you the order to follow when solving math problems with different operations.... Show more

PEMDAS
PEMDAS is an acronym used to mention the order of operations to be followed
while solving expressions having multiple operations. PEM

Understanding PEMDAS

PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. This handy acronym reminds you which math operations to do first when solving complex problems.

Different places might use different acronyms for the same idea. In Canada, they use BEDMAS (Brackets instead of Parentheses), while others might say BODMAS or GEMDAS. But they all mean the same thing!

When using PEMDAS, always start by solving what's inside parentheses first. Then calculate any exponents (like squaring numbers). After that, do multiplication and division from left to right. Finally, complete addition and subtraction from left to right.

Remember This! A fun way to remember PEMDAS is the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally." Each first letter matches the order of operations!

PEMDAS in Action

Let's see how PEMDAS works with a real example $2 \times 6 + (8 - 2) - 2^3 + 3 \times 4$

First, solve what's in the parentheses $(8 - 2) = 6$ Next, calculate the exponent $2^3 = 8$ Then do multiplication from left to right $2 \times 6 = 12$ and $3 \times 4 = 12$

Now our expression looks like $12 + 6 - 8 + 12$

Finally, do addition and subtraction from left to right $12 + 6 = 18$ $18 - 8 = 10$ $10 + 12 = 22$

Using PEMDAS guarantees that you'll solve math problems correctly every time. Without it, you'd get different answers depending on which operations you did first!

Try It Yourself! When you see a complicated math problem, just whisper "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" and tackle the operations in that order.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam

Quiz

Flashcards

Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Thomas R

iOS user

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Arithmetic

•

Dec 4, 2025

•

2 pages

Mastering the Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

EmilyD

@milyebnath_tjeg

PEMDAS is a rule that tells you the order to follow when solving math problems with different operations. Learning PEMDAS helps you avoid making mistakes and get the right answer every time. It's like a road map for solving math... Show more

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding PEMDAS

PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. This handy acronym reminds you which math operations to do first when solving complex problems.

Remember This! A fun way to remember PEMDAS is the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally." Each first letter matches the order of operations!

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

PEMDAS in Action

Let's see how PEMDAS works with a real example: $2 \times 6 + (8 - 2) - 2^3 + 3 \times 4$

First, solve what's in the parentheses: $(8 - 2) = 6$ Next, calculate the exponent: $2^3 = 8$ Then do multiplication from left to right: $2 \times 6 = 12$ and $3 \times 4 = 12$

Now our expression looks like: $12 + 6 - 8 + 12$

Finally, do addition and subtraction from left to right: $12 + 6 = 18$ $18 - 8 = 10$ $10 + 12 = 22$

Using PEMDAS guarantees that you'll solve math problems correctly every time. Without it, you'd get different answers depending on which operations you did first!

Try It Yourself! When you see a complicated math problem, just whisper "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" and tackle the operations in that order.