What are mixed operations?
Mixed operations are number sentences that use more than one operation, such as 5 + 3 × 4. If we just work from left to right, we can easily get the wrong answer. To get the correct answer every time, we must follow the right order of operations.
The order of operations
1) Do the working inside brackets first. 2) Then × and ÷ from left to right. 3) Last, + and − from left to right. Following this order every time makes sure everyone gets the same correct answer for the same number sentence.
Key idea
Brackets → × and ÷ → + and −. Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction.
Worked example
Work out 5 + 3 × 4. Do × first: 3 × 4 = 12. Then add: 5 + 12 = 17. (Doing 5 + 3 first would give the wrong answer.)
Remember
- Brackets come first.
- × and ÷ before + and −.
- Work from left to right within the same step.