Order of Operations With Whole Numbers

Order of Operations With Whole Numbers

When an expression has several operations, use a fixed order so everyone gets the same result. With whole numbers, the usual order is:

1. Parentheses first: simplify anything inside brackets or parentheses.
2. Exponents next: if a power appears, evaluate it before other operations.
3. Multiply and divide: work from left to right.
4. Add and subtract: finish from left to right.

A repeatable method

• Start by circling any grouped parts.
• Evaluate the innermost grouping first.
• Replace each step with its simplified value.
• Continue until only one number is left.

Example strategy

For an expression like 8 + 3 × 4, do not add first. Multiply 3 × 4 to get 12, then add 8 + 12 to get 20.

For 18 ÷ 3 + 2, divide first: 18 ÷ 3 = 6, then add 2 to get 8.

Check your answer

Read the expression again and verify that every operation was done in the correct order. If the final answer seems surprising, recompute step by step. Also check that your result is a whole number when the expression is meant to simplify that way.