Module 1

Algebraic Expressions


Order of Operations

As you know, math requires you to work the operations in a particular order.  They are:


1.    Parentheses or bracket
2.    Exponents
3.    Division or Multiplication, from left to right
4.    Addition and Subtraction, from left to right



Finger with a string tied around it     Remember!

    Division and multiplication carry the same weight:  
                    Left arrow from left to right Right  
    Addition and subtraction carry the same weight:  
                    Left arrow from left to right Right


Examples

Find the value of each expression.

a.	7 x 9 + 3		Original expression

	7 x 9 + 3		Multiply 7 and 9.

	  63  + 3		Add 63 and 3.

	     66		




b.	18 + 6 - 8 / 2	Original expression

	18 + 6 - 8 / 2	Divide 8 by 2.

	18 + 6 - 4		Add 18 and 6.

	  24   - 4		Subract 4 from 24.

	     20




c.	45 - 2 * (15 - 3)	Original expression

	45 - 2 * (15 - 3)	Do the operations in parentheses first.

	45 - 2 *    12	Multiply 2 and 12.

	45 -   24		Subtract 24 from 45.

	    21




d.	(22 + 3) ÷ (9 - 4)		Original expression

	(22 + 3) ÷ (9 - 4)		Do the operations in parentheses first. 

	   25    ÷    5		Divide 25 by 5.

		  5


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This page was created by Sara Turansky.
Send a note to Mrs. T at sara-turansky@acs.sch.ae