Rule 23: Order of Operations
-
The parenthesis instruct you to simplify the
expression within the parenthesis before you proceed. The division symbol has the same role as the parenthesis. It instructs you to treat the quantity above the numerator as if it were enclosed in a parenthesis, and to treat the quantity below the numerator as if it were enclosed in yet another parenthesis.
Example: Calculate 
.
Answer: The answer is 3.
-
Solution:
- The division symbol takes the place of a parenthesis.
Therefore, this problem has two parenthesis that must be removed. The numerator must be simplified, and the denominator must be simplified.
The numerator 
contains
multiplication, addition, and subtraction. Complete the
multiplication first. can be
modified to 
.
The denominator 
contains division
and addition. Complete the division first. can be modified to 
.
The problem can now be written 
.
If you would like to review more examples, click on the word
Example.
Work the following problems and click on Answer to check your results.
Problem 1:
Calculate 
.
Answer
Problem 2:
Calculate 
.
Answer
Problem 3:
Calculate 
.
Answer
[Identification]
[Factoring Integers]
[Reducing Fractions]
[Multiplication]
[Division]
[Building Fractions]
[Addition]
[Subtraction]
[Order of Operation]
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