Final answer:
The 'My Dear Aunt Sally' phrase is a mnemonic for the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This sequence ensures accurate calculation results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The order of calculations, often remembered by the phrase 'My Dear Aunt Sally,' refers to the order of operations used to solve mathematical expressions. The correct sequence is:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
- Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
This sequence should be followed to ensure accurate results when performing calculations, whether they are done manually or using a calculator. When entering data into a computer or calculator, it is important to follow this order to obtain the correct linear equation, which can then be rounded to the appropriate number of decimal places or significant figures as required.