Remember this sentence, and you will always remember the proper order of operations when solving math problems. (Hint: the beginning letter of each word is the beginning letter of the math operation!)

So what is "Order of Operations"?  It is a formula to make sure every mathematician (that's you) solves a problem the same way and therefore gets the same answer.

   5 x 6 + 7 x 8² x (3 + 10) = ?????

Should you multiply or add or divide first?   Use the above sentence to remember!

Let's do some together, step by step!

1.)   5 + 6 x 3 =   5 + 18 = 23

• Multiply first, then add.  (My before Aunt)

2.)  6 x (9 - 4) = 6 x 5 = 30

• Do what's inside parentheses first, then multiply. (Please before My)

3.)  8² + 7 x 3 =               Exponents first, (Excuse before My)
     64   + 7 x 3 =               then Multiply,  (My before Aunt)
     64   + 21 = 85               then Add.