Mixed calculation is one expression that mixes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
You do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction, and brackets come first of all.
If you ignore the order, the answer changes, so the rule really matters.
On this page you follow each part of the expression in turn and check the order for yourself.
Order of calculation matters!
⚠️ Same expression, different answer?
①5 + 3 × 4 from the front gives 32
②Multiplication first gives 17
③The answer is 17! Multiplication·division come first
Multiplication·Division First!
5
3
4
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Comparing correct and incorrect calculations by operation order
Power of Brackets
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Difference in result with and without brackets
🔑 Brackets come first!
①Brackets ( ) are calculated first
②Use brackets to choose your order
③Order: brackets → ×÷ → +−
Summary
Order of Operations
① ( ) → ② ×, ÷ → ③ +, −
Brackets first, then ×÷, then +−
Same Precedence
× = ÷, + = − → left to right
Equal-priority ops go in left-to-right order
Using Brackets
(5 + 3) × 4 = 32 ≠ 5 + 3 × 4 = 17
Brackets change the calculation order
🎯 Key Points
①( ) is always first!
②×, ÷ before +, −
③Equal priority: left to right
④Brackets let you set the order
⑤Same rule applies on calculators
Examples and Unit Test
Example 1
Calculate 5 + 3 × 4.
1
Do multiplication before addition: 3 × 4 = 12.
2
Then add: 5 + 12 = 17.
▸ 17
Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction.
Example 2
Calculate (5 + 3) × 4. Is the answer the same as Example 1?
1
Do the brackets first: 5 + 3 = 8.
2
Then multiply: 8 × 4 = 32. The brackets change the answer!
▸ 32
Brackets change the order of calculation and so change the answer.