In mathematical expressions, the order of operations is important. You must carry out operations in a very specific order to solve a math problem. The order is: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.
You can remember this order by remembering:
Spell: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
- Please : Parentheses
- Excuse : Exponents
- My : Multiplication
- Dear: Division
- Aunt : Addition
- Sally : Subtraction
Tip : Feel free to customize it to your personal version. Say, if you have an aunt name beginning with 'S' , replace it for Sally.