Answer:
the order of operations tells us how to solve a problem.
first is P for parentheses. this means you solve all the expressions within the parentheses. this ensures a simplified expression before moving on.
second is E for exponents. this means you solve all the expressions with exponents. by doing this before MDAS, you do not raise the wrong values.
third and fourth is M/D for multiplication/division. the / is between these two because these steps are interchangeable. you can multiply or divide first. the results will be the same.
this also applies to the fifth and sixth, which are A/S for addition/subtraction.