Question

How does the order of operations relate to solving multi-step equations? Use examples of solving an equation, and then evaluating it to help in your explanation.

Answer 1

The order of operations helps keep answers for multi-step equations similar. If the proper order of operations are not followed, then answers may vary. To show an example:

4 / 2 - 1

The proper order of operations would be:

Divide first, before subtracting
4 / 2 - 1
2 - 1
1

But if subtracting was done before dividing:

4 / 2 - 1
4 / 1
4

So not following the proper order would yield different and erroneous answers.