Order of Operations

1. Parentheses First, you must solve the equation within parentheses first. If your problem does not have parentheses, move on to step 2 of the order of operations. Examples of what parentheses look like are: ( ) [ ] { }

2. Exponents Second, you must solve the exponents in the problem. If your problem does not have exponents, move on to step 3 in the order of operations. Exponents:

3. Multiplication Third, you must solve the multiplication portion of the problem. If your problem does not have multiplication, move on to step 4. Multiplication can appear in various forms. 4 X 4 or 4 x 4 4*4 4(4)

4. Division Fourth, you must solve all the division within your equation. If your problem does not have division, move on to step 5. Examples of division signs are: / or

5. Addition Fifth, you must complete all addition within your equation. If your problem does not have any addition, you can move on to step 6. Addition always appears with a plus sign:

6. Subtraction Finally, any subtraction should be completed in the equation. If your problem does not have subtraction, you are finished!! Subtraction always appears using a minus sign.

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally