Final answer:
The order of operations is a set of rules that determines the sequence in which to perform operations in a mathematical expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The order of operations is a set of rules that determine the sequence in which to perform the operations in a mathematical expression. The acronym PEMDAS is commonly used to remember the order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division (from left to right), and addition and subtraction (from left to right).
For example:
- Calculate 2 + 3 * 4:
- Start with multiplication: 3 * 4 = 12
- Then perform the addition: 2 + 12 = 14
Calculate (2 + 3) * 4:
- Start with the parentheses: 2 + 3 = 5
- Then perform the multiplication: 5 * 4 = 20
Using the order of operations ensures that mathematical expressions are evaluated correctly.