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What is a BODMAS Rule and How It Is Applied in Mathematics

What is BODMAS in math? In mathematics, BODMAS or Bodmas rule identifies the order of operations to follow when carrying out calculations. A child needs to know in which order to perform operations to get the right answer. This guide will help you understand how to apply the rule to math problems.

What is BODMAS?

What does BODMAS stand for? BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders (powers and roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. The interpretation of the rule is the following: you have to solve brackets first, then orders (powers, square roots), division and multiplication, and lastly addition and subtraction.

The BODMAS order of operations is important because we all may interpret arithmetic expressions differently. One person might add first, and another one might multiply first. The use of BODMAS makes sure that everyone makes calculations in a given mathematical expression following the same pattern.

The BODMAS helps us know the correct order of operations to solve mathematical questions. Also, the rule tells us that we must work out the answer to any sum in a certain order. Here is the summary of how we can arrive at the correct answer when dealing with BODMAS:

Numbers

Numbers are the objects which allow us to count things, compare amounts, and make calculations. We do not give numbers priority in BODMAS. We treat them as equals, whether they are small or large.

Operators

Operators are symbols that perform mathematical operations on a value. They are applicable in expressions, which are groups of symbols that evaluate a single value. Also, mathematical operators are symbols that represent an action, such as addition or multiplication. Operators do specific actions when used in mathematical equations. These are:

• Addition (+)
• Subtraction (-)
• Division (/)
• Multiplication (*)

BODMAS Example

The order of operations is always important. For example, let’s take the expression

3 + 2 x 5 =

Since there are no brackets and orders, you must perform multiplication before you add the numbers. This is because multiplication has a higher precedence than addition.

BODMAS Meaning

BODMAS full form is Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. You need to follow this order when you complete a calculation that involves more than one operation. If you fail to follow it, you will get the wrong answer.

How to Use BODMAS Rule

BODMAS rule in math is:

• If there are brackets, then first solve the Bracket.
• If no brackets are there, then first solve Orders.
• If no orders are evident, then solve Multiplication and Division.
• If no multiplication and division are there, then solve Addition and Subtraction.
• Add and subtract in order from left to right.

The order in which you perform operations is important because it determines how to calculate the final answer. For instance, you have to calculate the answer to this equation:

2 + 3 x 4

You would get an answer of 20 if you performed the addition first, and then the multiplication. However, if you performed the multiplication first and the addition then, you would get an answer of 14. In other words, the order in which you perform operations can change the final answer.

BODMAS vs. PEMDAS

BODMAS and PEMDAS are both acronyms designed to help you remember the order of operations in math. They can also be used when solving equations as both stand for order of operations.

The difference between these two rules is that they work differently. We use BODMAS when there are multiple operations within parentheses or brackets. We apply PEMDAS in case of multiple operations outside of parentheses or brackets.

PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction, whereas BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders (or exponents), Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.

The two methods have the same steps to use when solving a problem. The difference is in how you apply them. In BODMAS, operation orders follow left to right, while PEMDAS applies them from right to left.

How and When Is BODMAS Taught?

BODMAS should be taught after children have learned the four operations with numbers: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The BODMAS rule is usually studied in elementary school by students aged 9-12 and used to perform mathematical operations in the proper order.

Conclusion

When you are unsure about the sequence of operations, use BODMAS to help guide your choices.

Once a teacher gets convinced that children are grasping the concept of BODMAS and are able to apply it for simple problems, they may proceed using the rule in more complex problems.