Algebra Order of Operations Flashcards

Order of Operations Overview

• Defines the sequence of mathematical operations in expressions.
• Ensures accurate calculation by following specific rules.

PEMDAS Acronym

• Stands for: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
• Indicates the order in which operations should be performed.

Role of Parentheses

• Operations inside parentheses take precedence and are performed first.
• Essential for clarifying complex expressions.

Role of Exponents

• Exponents indicate that a base number is to be raised to a certain power.
• Exponents are evaluated after parentheses but before multiplication and division.

Multiplication and Division

• These operations are executed from left to right.
• No fixed order; multiplication does not inherently precede division.

Addition and Subtraction

• Like multiplication and division, these operations are also carried out from left to right.
• There is no priority between addition and subtraction.

Mnemonic for Remembering Order

• "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" serves as an easy way to recall PEMDAS.

Specific Components of PEMDAS

• P: Stands for Parentheses, indicating those operations are first.
• E: Stands for Exponents, referring to raising numbers to powers.
• M: Represents Multiplication, a key operation in the hierarchy.
• D: Represents Division, handled alongside multiplication in left-to-right sequence.
• A: Stands for Addition, important for final adjustments to the expression.
• S: Represents Subtraction, concluded in the same left-to-right manner as addition.

Understanding Components of PEMDAS

• Purpose of 'P': Ensures clarity and precedence for operations within parentheses.
• Purpose of 'E': Clarifies operations involving powers.
• Purpose of 'M' and 'D': Highlights the simultaneous handling of these operations.
• Purpose of 'A' and 'S': Emphasizes their shared processing order in calculations.