Mastering BODMAS: The Key to Solving Math Problems Easily
Math problems can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve several operations. That’s why understanding BODMAS is crucial. This rule tells you the correct order to follow when solving complex expressions. By using BODMAS, you can avoid errors and arrive at the right solution every time. Let’s break it down into simple steps to help you master it.
What Does BODMAS Stand For?
BODMAS is a sequence of steps to solve math problems. It stands for:
Brackets – Solve anything inside brackets first.
Orders – Handle powers (like squares or cubes) and roots next.
Division and Multiplication – Solve these from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction – Finally, do these from left to right.
The order is essential. Skipping or switching steps can give you the wrong answer.
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How to Remove Brackets Using BODMAS
Brackets come first in BODMAS. Removing them simplifies the problem and makes it easier to solve.
3+(2×4)3 + (2 \times 4)3+(2×4)
Solve the operation inside the brackets first:
If there are multiple layers of brackets, start with the innermost one.
Here’s a more complex example:
5+(6×(3+2))5 + (6 \times (3 + 2))5+(6×(3+2))
First, solve the innermost bracket:
Now, the problem becomes:
5+(6×5)5 + (6 \times 5)5+(6×5)
6×5=306 \times 5 = 306×5=30
5+30=355 + 30 = 355+30=35
Simplifying Expressions with BODMAS
BODMAS also helps when solving expressions without brackets but with many operations. Always follow the order of operations to get the right answer.
8+4×3−2÷18 + 4 \times 3 - 2 \div 18+4×3−2÷1
Start with multiplication and division from left to right:
4×3=124 \times 3 = 124×3=12
2÷1=22 \div 1 = 22÷1=2
Now, the expression becomes:
Next, do addition and subtraction from left to right:
8+12=208 + 12 = 208+12=20
20−2=1820 - 2 = 1820−2=18
The answer is 18. By following BODMAS, you solved the expression correctly.
Using BODMAS with Fractions
BODMAS is also important when working with fractions. It helps you know what to do first in multi-step problems.
5+76×(2+1)\frac{5 + 7}{6} \times (2 + 1)65+7×(2+1)
First, solve the operation inside the brackets:
Now, add the numbers in the numerator:
126×3\frac{12}{6} \times 3612×3
Next, simplify the fraction:
12÷6=212 \div 6 = 212÷6=2
8+42÷2\frac{8 + 4}{2} \div 228+4÷2
Start by solving the addition inside the fraction:
122÷2\frac{12}{2} \div 2212÷2
Next, simplify the fraction:
12÷2=612 \div 2 = 612÷2=6
The final answer is 3. With BODMAS, you can handle these types of problems step by step without confusion.
BODMAS and Multi-Step Problems
When facing complex math problems with multiple operations, BODMAS helps you stay on track. Let’s look at an example with several steps:
7+(4×2)−9÷37 + (4 \times 2) - 9 \div 37+(4×2)−9÷3
First, solve the multiplication inside the brackets:
4×2=84 \times 2 = 84×2=8
Now, the expression becomes:
7+8−9÷37 + 8 - 9 \div 37+8−9÷3
Next, handle the division:
9÷3=39 \div 3 = 39÷3=3
Now, the expression is:
7+8−37 + 8 - 37+8−3
Finally, do addition and subtraction from left to right:
7+8=157 + 8 = 157+8=15
15−3=1215 - 3 = 1215−3=12
The correct result is 12.
Without BODMAS, it’s easy to get confused and solve the operations in the wrong order. BODMAS makes it clear which steps to follow.
BODMAS is a powerful tool for solving all kinds of math problems. Whether you’re dealing with simple sums, fractions, or multi-step expressions, it ensures accuracy. Following the correct order—brackets, orders, division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction—keeps things simple and clear. Next time you see a complex expression, remember to use BODMAS. It will save time and help you get the right answer every time.
