Is it PEMDAS or BODMAS?

PEMDAS and BODMAS are both acronyms used to remember the order of operations in mathematics. They are essentially the same thing, just with slightly different names for the same operations.

PEMDAS stands for:

• Parentheses
• Exponents
• Multiplication and Division (done from left to right)
• Addition and Subtraction (done from left to right)

BODMAS stands for:

• Brackets
• Orders (powers and square roots)
• Division and Multiplication (done from left to right)
• Addition and Subtraction (done from left to right)

The key difference is that PEMDAS uses "Parentheses" and "Exponents" while BODMAS uses "Brackets" and "Orders." Both acronyms represent the same order of operations.

While the acronym used might differ, the underlying concept of order of operations remains the same. The priority of operations is:

1. Parentheses/Brackets: Solve operations within parentheses or brackets first.
2. Exponents/Orders: Calculate exponents or orders (like square roots) next.
3. Multiplication and Division: These operations have equal priority and are performed from left to right.
4. Addition and Subtraction: These operations also have equal priority and are performed from left to right.

Here's an example:

Let's solve the equation: 5 + 2 * 3 - 1

Using PEMDAS or BODMAS:

1. Multiplication: 2 * 3 = 6
2. Addition: 5 + 6 = 11
3. Subtraction: 11 - 1 = 10

Therefore, the answer is 10.

In summary, PEMDAS and BODMAS are both valid ways to remember the order of operations in mathematics. They represent the same rules, and both are equally correct. The choice of which acronym to use is primarily a matter of personal preference or regional variation.