What Is Meant Exactly By `bidmas`?

`BIDMAS` or `BODMAS` is a term we hear Maths Teachers use often, but what does it actually mean? Here`s a quick and easy explanation.

Let`s take a look at the following calculation:

7 x 2 + 4

As we can see, we have two different operations occurring here: Multiplication and Addition. But which of these do we perform first?

If we perform Addition First, we get:

7 x 2 + 4 = 7 x 6 = 42

However, if we perform Multiplication First, we get:

7 x 2 + 4 = 14 + 4 = 18

Clearly these are two different answers. So which one is correct? BIDMAS tells us. It stands for the Order at which we perform these Operations in any Calculation:

1. Brackets
   
2. Indices
   
3. Division
4. Multiplication
5. Addition
6. Subtraction

So, according to BIDMAS, we should perform Multiplication First. This will give us:

7 x 2 + 4 = 14 + 4 = 18.

Another Example is shown below. Here, we use Brackets before we calculate Indices:

(5 + 5)² = (10)² = 100.

A Final Example is shown below. Here, we use Division before we Subtract

6/2 - 3 = 3 - 3 = 0

Have a go at this Last one. Fair warning, it is tricky!

(3² - 2 x 2)²/5 + 4

[Scroll down for the Answer]

(3² - 2 x 2)²/5 + 4

= (9 - 2 x 2)²/5 + 4

= (9 - 4)²/5 + 4

= (5)²/5 + 4 = 25/5 + 4

= 5 + 4

= 9