How to Solve a Math Problem Using PEMDAS

PEMDAS is a technique used to solve multi-step math problems. PEMDAS is an acronym and stands for parenthesis, exponents, multiply, divide, add, and subtract.

Step 1: Identify Parenthesis

The first step in PEMDAS is P=parenthesis.

Identify and underline all sets of parenthesis. If there are none, proceed to "Identify Exponents."

Step 2: Solve Parenthesis

Solve the parenthesis you previously underlined. Work from left to right.

Step 3: Rewrite Equation

Replace the parenthesis with the corresponding value.

Step 4: Identify Exponents

The next step in PEMDAS is E=exponents.

Identify and underline all exponents. If there are none proceed to "Identify Multiplication Problems."

Step 5: Solve Exponents

Solve the first set of exponents. Work from left to right.

Step 6: Solve Exponents

Solve the next set of exponents. Work from left to right.

Step 7: Rewrite Equation

Replace the exponents with the corresponding value.

Step 8: Identify Multiplication Problems

The next step in PEMDAS is M=multiplication.

Identify and underline multiplication problems, working from left to right. If there are none, proceed to "Identify Division Problems."

Step 9: Solve Multiplication Problems

Solve the first underlined multiplication problems. Work from left to right.

Step 10: Rewrite Equation

Replace the multiplication problem with the correct value.

Step 11: Identify Division Problems

The next step of PEMDAS is D=division.

Identify and underline all division problems, working from left to right. If there are none, proceed to "Identify Addition Problems."

Step 12: Identify Addition Problems

The next step of PEMDAS is A=addition.

Identify and underline all addition problems, working from left to right. If there are none proceed to "Identify Subtraction Problems."

Step 13: Solve Addition Problems

Solve the underlined addition problems. Work from left to right.

Step 14: Rewrite Equation

Replace the addition problems with the corresponding value.

Step 15: Identify Subtraction Problems

The final step of PEMDAS is S=subtraction.

Identify the subtraction problems. For this equation, this is the only problem left to solve.

Step 16: Find Your Answer

Congratulations, you have used PEMDAS to solve this math equation!

Comments

[fostekat]

The answer to the problem is 54. Given 81-36+9 PEMDAS requires that we work addition and subtraction at the same level from right to left so 81-36=45+9=54. The correct answer is 54. Likewise PEMDAS does not instruct the user to go through and compute all the multiplication then go back through to compute all the division. Multiplication and division are equal in the hierarchy.

[mathnerd11]

Please take this incorrect solution down.

[tlaci2007]

It's false. Addition and subtraction are equal according to order of operations, so operations must be performed from left to right. So the result is: 81-36+9 = 45+9 = 54

[bakichmg]

Thanks for this. I was just arguing with someone about the rules. Showed this to assist with correct procedure.

[audreyobscura]

Cool tips! Thanks for the share!