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By Shailendra Singh
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Updated on 15 May 2025, 17:39 IST
BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. It is a rule that determines the order in which mathematical operations should be carried out to simplify expressions correctly.
Understanding BODMAS is crucial for solving math problems accurately, especially in exams and real-world applications where precision is key.
The BODMAS rule helps prioritize operations when faced with mathematical expressions that involve multiple steps. Below is a breakdown of each component of the rule:
Brackets are always solved first in any expression. Whether they are parentheses () or square brackets [], any operation inside the brackets is performed first.
Orders refer to powers and roots (exponentiation). Operations like squaring numbers, square roots, or other exponential calculations are performed next.
Division and multiplication come after brackets and orders. These operations are handled from left to right, meaning you solve whichever comes first as you move from left to right across the equation.
Finally, addition and subtraction are carried out last, also following the left to right rule. This is the simplest part of the operation, where you simply add or subtract numbers in sequence.
Consider the expression:
8 + (3 × 5) - 2
Step 1: Solve inside the brackets first:
(3 × 5 = 15)
Step 2: Replace the bracketed part with the result:
8 + 15 - 2
Step 3: Now, solve from left to right:
8 + 15 = 23
23 - 2 = 21
Final Answer: 21
Consider the expression:
6 + 3 × (5 + 2)² ÷ 7
Step 1: Solve the bracket first:
(5 + 2 = 7)
Step 2: Square the result (as per orders):
7² = 49
Step 3: Now solve the rest of the expression:
6 + 3 × 49 ÷ 7
Step 4: Perform division and multiplication from left to right:
49 ÷ 7 = 7
3 × 7 = 21
Step 5: Finally, perform addition:
6 + 21 = 27
Final Answer: 27
BODMAS questions can vary depending on the complexity and the operations involved. Here are some common types:
These questions involve simple operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Example:
What is 7 + 3 × 4?
These problems use variables and often involve terms with exponents, fractions, and polynomials. Example:
Simplify: 2x + (5 - x) × 3
These questions involve fractions and the application of BODMAS to simplify them. Example:
What is (3/4) × (8/5) + 2?
These problems deal with powers and roots. Example:
What is 2³ + 5 × (4²)?
Many students make common mistakes while solving BODMAS problems, often due to skipping steps or not following the order of operations strictly. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Here are a few practice problems for you to solve:
Engage yourself with a BODMAS quiz to test your understanding of the rule:
BODMAS is an essential skill for solving mathematical problems correctly and efficiently. By practicing the rule and avoiding common mistakes, you can handle complex arithmetic and algebraic problems with ease. Be sure to practice regularly with different types of BODMAS questions to improve your problem-solving skills.
For further resources, explore:
The BODMAS rule is a set of guidelines used to determine the correct order of operations when solving mathematical expressions. It stands for Brackets, Orders (Powers and Roots), Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. According to the order of operations, you must follow this sequence:
The rule ensures accurate and consistent results when solving arithmetic operations and expressions.
To apply the BODMAS rule in arithmetic problems, follow these steps:
For example, to solve 6 + (3 × 4) - 2, you would:
To solve BODMAS problems involving powers or exponentiation, such as 2³ or √16, you should:
For example, to solve (3 + 2)² × 4, you:
Here are some practice BODMAS questions for Class 6 to help you understand the rule:
These questions involve basic arithmetic operations and will help reinforce the concept of solving BODMAS problems.
To simplify complex calculations using the BODMAS rule, follow these steps:
It is important to approach the expression step by step, ensuring that you follow the correct operations order.
The main difference between BODMAS and PEMDAS lies in the terminology:
Both rules are essentially the same, but the term PEMDAS is more commonly used in the US, while BODMAS is more commonly used in the UK and other parts of the world. The order of precedence in both rules remains identical.
BODMAS questions can vary in complexity. Some common types include:
When solving BODMAS problems, students often make these mistakes:
To avoid these errors, always follow the BODMAS rule carefully and solve the problem step by step.
For mixed operations, where multiple types of operations appear in a single expression, follow these guidelines:
For example, in the expression 6 × (2 + 3) ÷ 2 + 4, you would:
You can find BODMAS questions with answers PDF on several educational websites and platforms, including:
These resources will help you practice BODMAS problems with detailed solutions and explanations.
