1.3

Operations and order of operations

9 flashcards to master Operations and order of operations

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Key Concept Flip

Evaluate: 12 + 6 ÷ 3 - 2 × 4

Answer Flip

Following the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS), divide first: 6 ÷ 3 = 2. Then multiply: 2 × 4 = 8. Finally, add and subtract from left to right: 12 + 2 - 8 = 6.

Definition Flip

What is the correct order of operations according to BIDMAS/BODMAS?

Answer Flip

BIDMAS/BODMAS stands for Brackets, Indices (or Orders), Division and Multiplication (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This is the order in which mathematical operations should be performed.

Key Concept Flip

Simplify: (5 + 3) × 2 - 4²

Answer Flip

First, solve the bracket: (5 + 3) = 8. Then, calculate the index: 4² = 16. Next, multiply: 8 × 2 = 16. Finally, subtract: 16 - 16 = 0.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the importance of following the order of operations.

Answer Flip

Following the order of operations ensures that mathematical expressions are evaluated consistently and correctly. Without a standard order, different people could arrive at different answers for the same problem.

Key Concept Flip

Calculate: (1/2 + 1/4) ÷ 3/4

Answer Flip

First add the fractions inside the bracket: 1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4. Then, divide by 3/4 which is the same as multiplying by 4/3: (3/4) × (4/3) = 1.

Key Concept Flip

Evaluate: 2.5 × 4 + 6.3 ÷ 3

Answer Flip

First, multiply: 2.5 × 4 = 10. Then, divide: 6.3 ÷ 3 = 2.1. Finally, add: 10 + 2.1 = 12.1

Key Concept Flip

What happens if you ignore the order of operations?

Answer Flip

Ignoring the order of operations leads to incorrect results.

Example: If you calculate 2 + 3 × 4 as (2 + 3) × 4 = 20 instead of 2 + (3 × 4) = 14, you get a wrong answer.
Key Concept Flip

Sarah buys 3 apples at $0.75 each and 2 oranges at $0.60 each. She pays with a $5 bill. How much change does she receive? Write the equation.

Answer Flip

The total cost is (3 × 0.75) + (2 × 0.60) = 2.25 + 1.20 = $3.45. Her change is 5 - 3.45 = $1.55. The equation reflects order of operations.

Key Concept Flip

Simplify: 5 + (2³ - 4) ÷ 2

Answer Flip

First, solve the index within the brackets: 2³ = 8. Then, continue the brackets 8-4 = 4. Divide: 4 ÷ 2 = 2. Finally, add: 5 + 2 = 7.

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1.2 Fractions, decimals and percentages 1.4 Powers and roots

Key Questions: Operations and order of operations

What is the correct order of operations according to BIDMAS/BODMAS?

BIDMAS/BODMAS stands for Brackets, Indices (or Orders), Division and Multiplication (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This is the order in which mathematical operations should be performed.

About Operations and order of operations (1.3)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Operations and order of operations for your Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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