Oh, sweetie, did you forget the basic math rules we all learned in school? Don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand and walk you through the order of operations, because apparently some of us need a refresher on PEMDAS - that’s Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), then Addition and Subtraction (left to right). If you don’t see any multiplication or division, well, bless your heart, you might end up with zero in some cases, but we’ll get to that. Let’s make this super simple so even you can keep up!
Why You Need These Rules
Math isn’t a free-for-all, darling. Rules like PEMDAS exist so everyone gets the same answer and doesn’t look foolish. Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction because they’re the big kids on the block, changing numbers in ways you need to settle first. Ignore this, and you’ll be the one with the wrong answer at the class reunion.
You’re buying a cute shirt on sale. It’s $20, with a 10% discount, then a $2 fee tacked on. First, find the discount: 10% of $20 is $2, so $20 - $2 = $18. Then add the fee: $18 + $2 = $20. Do it wrong, and you’ll overpay, honey.
You’re mixing juice for a party. You need 3 cups of concentrate times 2 batches, plus 1 cup of water. Multiply first: 3 × 2 = 6 cups of concentrate. Add the water: 6 + 1 = 7 cups total, or you’ll ruin the punch.
Multiply and Divide First, Duh
Listen up, because this is basic: multiplication and division always come before adding or subtracting. They’re like the VIPs of math, scaling numbers up or down before you start tossing them together. If you see both, go left to right, no exceptions. Get it right, or you’ll look silly.
You’re splitting candy with friends. You have $12, spend $4, then divide the rest among 2 friends, adding $1 each. Divide first: $12 - $4 = $8, then $8 ÷ 2 = $4 per friend. Add $1: $4 + $1 = $5 each, not a mess of wrong math.
You’re planning a road trip. You drive 4 stretches of 5 miles, then add 3 miles for a detour. Multiply first: 4 × 5 = 20 miles. Add the detour: 20 + 3 = 23 miles, or you’ll get lost, sweetie.
Zero Multiply or Divide? Zero Results
Oh, honey, if there’s no multiplication or division, sometimes you’re stuck with zero, especially in certain math setups. Think of it like a party with no guests - nothing happens! In some systems, like products with a zero term, you stay at zero unless something else kicks in. Let’s make it clear for you.
A toy factory with no production speed. It makes 0 toys per hour, and you add 3 from storage. No multiplication or division happens with a rate of 0, so production is 0. Add the 3 toys: 0 + 3 = 3, but the factory’s output is zilch.
A game with no point multipliers. You score 0 points per move over 5 moves, then add 4 bonus points. Zero times anything is 0, so no multiplication changes it: 0 × 5 = 0. Add the bonus: 0 + 4 = 4 points, and that’s all you get.
Parentheses and Exponents Are Boss
Darling, parentheses and exponents are the queens of this math party, and you deal with them first. Parentheses group things to keep them tidy, and exponents are just fancy repeated multiplication. Solve these before you even think about the rest. Mess this up, and everyone will notice.
You’re paying for a group dinner. The bill is $15 plus $3 in tips, times 2 for two people, plus $4 extra. Parentheses first: $15 + $3 = $18. Multiply and add: $18 × 2 + $4 = $36 + $4 = $40, or you’ll short the waiter.
You’re measuring a garden plot. A side is 2 plus 3 meters, squared, then add 2 meters. Parentheses first: 2 + 3 = 5, then square: 5² = 25. Add 2: 25 + 2 = 27 square meters, not a math disaster.
Left to Right, No Excuses
When you’ve got multiplication and division together, or addition and subtraction, go left to right, honey. It’s not rocket science - just follow the order the numbers are written. This keeps everyone on the same page. Skip this, and you’ll be the odd one out.
You’re baking cookies. You need 12 ounces of flour divided by 3, times 2, plus 1 ounce. Divide first: 12 ÷ 3 = 4. Multiply and add: 4 × 2 + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9 ounces, or your cookies flop.
You’re timing a race. It’s 30 minutes divided by 2 runners, times 3 laps, plus 5 minutes waiting. Divide first: 30 ÷ 2 = 15 minutes. Multiply and add: 15 × 3 + 5 = 45 + 5 = 50 minutes, or you’ll miss the finish line.
Don’t Mess This Up
Oh, bless your heart, people still add before multiplying and wonder why they’re wrong. Some even forget left-to-right for equal operations, making a total mess. It’s not hard - just follow PEMDAS step by step. Double-check, or you’ll be the one everyone whispers about.
You’re shopping and miscalculate. An item is $10, 20% off, plus $3 shipping. Don’t add first; discount is 20% of $10 = $2, so $10 - $2 = $8. Add shipping: $8 + $3 = $11, or you’ll pay too much.
You’re doing homework and goof it. The problem is 5 + 3 × 4; don’t add first. Multiply: 3 × 4 = 12. Add: 5 + 12 = 17, not 5 + 3 = 8 then × 4 = 32, silly.
Electric Pulse Machines
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Keep Practicing, You’ll Get There
Practice makes perfect, even for you, dear. Start with easy problems, then try ones with parentheses or exponents. If you mess up, go back and check your steps - it’s not brain surgery. Soon, you’ll be solving these like you actually paid attention in class.
You’re saving for a treat. You have $50, spend $10, multiply the rest by 2 for two weeks, plus $5. Subtract: $50 - $10 = $40. Multiply and add: $40 × 2 + $5 = $80 + $5 = $85, and you’re golden.
You’re tallying game points. You get 4 points times 2 rounds, minus 1 penalty, plus 3 bonus. Multiply–
You’re tallying game points. You get 4 points times 2 rounds, minus 1 penalty, plus 3 bonus. Multiply first: 4 × 2 = 8 points. Subtract the penalty: 8 - 1 = 7. Add the bonus: 7 + 3 = 10 points, or you’ll lose bragging rights.
Wrapping It Up
There you go, sweetheart, the order of operations laid out so simply even you can follow. PEMDAS is your best friend - parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Practice a bit, and you won’t be the one fumbling at math night. Keep at it, and maybe you’ll surprise everyone with a correct answer!
