Quick self-quiz

Tap each word to check what it stands for.

When to use it

Use it any time an expression mixes operations, so you evaluate them in the right order.

Example

For 2+3×42 + 3 \times 4 you multiply first to get 2+12=142 + 12 = 14, not 5×4=205 \times 4 = 20.

Common mistake

Treating multiply before divide, or add before subtract. Multiply and divide rank equally and run left to right, and so do add and subtract.