Order of Operations

Make sure you understand the order of operations in any calculation.

Do any calculations in brackets first.
Next calculate any exponents (powers)
Then do any multiplication or division (these have equal precedence)
Finally do any addition or subtraction (these two operations have equal precedence)

For example:
4 + 5 x 6 = 4 + 30 = 34
4 + (5×2) = 4 + 10 = 14
2x² when x = 3 is 2×3² = 2×9 = 18

Remember you can check any calculation on WolframAlpha – make sure you enter your calculation correctly.

Check calculations on WolframAlpha

This game from mathFROG allows you to practice against the clock.

Mathfrog

Calculators & Tools – Menu.