Final answer:
The order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, determines the order in which mathematical operations should be performed in an equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, is a set of rules that determine the order in which mathematical operations should be performed in an equation. The acronym stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). Let's look at an example:
2 + (3 * 4) - 5 ÷ 2
First, we simplify the operations inside the parentheses: 3 * 4 = 12.
Then, we perform the division: 5 ÷ 2 = 2.5.
Finally, we carry out the addition and subtraction from left to right: 2 + 12 - 2.5 = 11.5.