The BODMAS Rule Explained

BODMAS is an important abbreviation and concept in the world of Mathematics. BODMAS stands for Brackets of Division/Multiplication & Addition/Subtraction. This is a rule to be kept in mind while deciding the order in which we should calculate a mathematical expression.

What is the BODMAS Rule?

BODMAS stands for Brackets of Division/Multiplication & Addition/Subtraction. This is also the order in which a mathematical expression should be evaluated. First, we evaluate the brackets. Then, we evaluate Division/Multiplication. Then we evaluate Addition/Subtraction.

Let us see the rules one by one now:

Rule 1: If Multiplication & Division are present in the same expression, perform any first.

10 x 5 / 2 = 50 / 2 = 25 or

10 x 5 / 2 = 5 x 5 = 25

Rule 2: Similarly, if Addition & Subtraction are present in the same expression, perform any first.

10 + 5 – 2 = 15 – 2 = 13 or

10 + 5 – 2 = 10 + 3 = 13

Rule 3: Division/Multiplication comes before Addition/Subtraction

20 / 5 – 2 = 4 – 2 = 2

7 + 4 x 3 = 7 + 12 = 19

You should evaluate all Division/Multiplications before Addition/Subtractions in an expression.

Rule 4: Brackets should be evaluated first, if present.

The brackets define the scope of an expression. The numbers and operations written inside a bracket should be considered as one expression. Each bracket should be evaluated independently.

(20 / 4) + ( 5 + 6) = 5 + 11 = 16

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