BEDMAS (or PEMDAS) is a handy acronym to remember the order of operations in math. It helps you solve equations with multiple operations correctly. Let's break it down:
Understanding BEDMAS
- Brackets (Parentheses): Solve anything inside brackets first.
- Exponents (Orders): Calculate exponents (powers, like 2²) next. Grade 5 might not cover exponents extensively.
- Division and Multiplication: Do these from left to right, whichever comes first.
- Addition and Subtraction: Finally, do these from left to right, whichever comes first.
Remember, division and multiplication have equal importance, as do addition and subtraction. You perform them in order from left to right.
Examples
Let's try some examples:
Example 1: 10 + 5 × 2
- Multiplication first: 5 × 2 = 10
- Addition: 10 + 10 = 20
Example 2: (2 + 3) × 4
- Brackets first: 2 + 3 = 5
- Multiplication: 5 × 4 = 20
Example 3: 12 ÷ 2 × 3 + 6 - 2
- Division first (from left to right): 12 ÷ 2 = 6
- Multiplication (from left to right): 6 × 3 = 18
- Addition (from left to right): 18 + 6 = 24
- Subtraction: 24 - 2 = 22
Grade 5 Focus
Grade 5 math focuses on mastering the order of operations with whole numbers, decimals, and basic fractions, often involving parentheses and the four standard operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Exponents are typically introduced at a simpler level or might not be included at all. K5 Learning provides worksheets that align with this level of understanding. As noted in the provided YouTube snippet, division and multiplication share the same priority in the order of operations, meaning the order in which they are done is determined by working from left to right.
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to mastering BEDMAS is consistent practice. Work through numerous problems, focusing on each step and the order of operations. The more you practice, the better you'll become at applying BEDMAS to solve math problems efficiently and accurately.
