The BODMAS Rule: Explained for students and parents with examples

Mathematics

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

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The BODMAS rule is efficiently mastered through BODMAS rule questions and examples. We provide BODMAS rule questions so your child can accurately make calculations and score well in the subject with practice. 

BODMAS. Ok, what do we know about it? It’s an Acronym. It is used to solve arithmetic problems. And it has caused you many incorrect answers in the Maths class. The BODMAS rule guides the mathematical operations through the BODMAS sequence. Unfortunately, handling the BODMAS rule in Maths can get a little confusing. Edulyte’s (all Maths classes link once ready) Maths mentors have devised ways to save you from creating further disasters with the BODMAS formula and enable you to become a BODMAS wizard. Read on to find out!

What is the BODMAS rule?

The BODMAS rule is essential in many mathematical problems. The full form of BODMAS is

  • B – Brackets, 
  • O – Order of powers or roots,
  • D – Division, 
  • M – Multiplication,
  • A – Addition, 
  • S – Subtraction.

S – Subtraction. The BODMAS theory solves problems that have multiple operations. So when you see addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division together, you are prepared to find the correct answer following the proper sequence of operations.

When to use BODMAS?

Maths is all about logical interpretations and systematic solving of problems. Hence it requires a specific set of procedures to be observed. It is easy to perform one function, like addition, with two or three numbers. But if a question involves more than one operation, it can be confusing to solve the problem without guidance.

You can utilise the BODMAS formula whenever there is more than one operation in a mathematical equation or expression. We have to follow the set sequence so that the results are correct. We cannot just calculate from left to right or in a haphazard manner. The BODMAS rule in Maths identifies the correct order or sequence to be followed while solving the maths problem.

DODMAS Rule

BBrackets ( ), { }, [ ] 
OOrder of Square roots, indices, exponents and powers
DDivision  ÷, /
MMultiplication  ×, *
AAddition +
SSubtraction

BODMAS vs PEMDAS

You might have heard of another term called PEMDAS used to solve mathematical expressions. It is a similar sequence of operations you must follow, just like the BODMAS theory. Let us look into what PEMDAS means:

  • P – Parenthesis
  • E – Exponents
  • M – Multiplication
  • D – Division
  • A – Addition
  • S – Subtraction

So it is nearly the same sequence of operations but with a different name. Why another name? Because some countries have specific terms for the operations. So ‘Brackets’ become Parenthesis, and ‘Of’ becomes Exponents. A critical difference between the BODMAS rule and PEMDAS is that in PEMDAS, multiplication should be done before division, unlike in BODMAS.

Conditions of BODMAS

You cannot understand Maths concepts without examples. And to understand the conditions of the BODMAS rule, we have some BODMAS examples below :

  • If there is any bracket, open the bracket first, then add or subtract the terms. 

            x + (y + z) = x + y + z,
            a + (b – c) = a + b – c

  • If there is a negative sign, open the bracket first, then multiply the negative sign with each term inside the bracket.

            x – (y + z) ⇒ x – y – z

  • When there is a term outside the bracket, multiply it with each of the terms inside the bracket

            a (b + c) = ab + ac

Easy Ways to Remember BODMAS Rules

Specific tips can help you remember the conditions and rules of BODMAS. The meaning of BODMAS and the BODMAS rule questions are a convenient way to remember the rules:

  • ALWAYS simplify the brackets first.
  • If there are any exponents and roots, solve those.
  • Perform division or multiplication (go from left to right)
  • Perform addition or subtraction (go from left to right)

Explain BODMAS with examples

After understanding the BODMAS rule, it is time to test the waters and apply the BODMAS formula to Maths questions. But, again, keep the conditions in mind to get the correct answer.

428 – 60 ( 6 x 7 – 12 x 4)
428 – 60 (42 – 48)
428 – 60 – 6

The property of integers suggests – and – becomes +, therefore

428 – 66 = 362
Thus, the answer is 362.

How to deal with brackets?

Brackets mean simplifying terms inside the brackets can be done directly before any other calculation. We must perform the operations inside the bracket in the order of division, multiplication, addition and subtraction.

Note: The order of brackets to be simplified is (), {}, [].

The following BODMAS examples will help you grasp the rule of BODMAS brackets:

Bodmas-full-form
Bodmas-calculation
bodmas-rule-in-maths

BODMAS without Brackets

bodmas-rule-with-example

Conclusion

Maths is all about comprehending and handling its concepts. If your child has a strong foundation in Maths, you can rest assured that the child will score well in higher grades. And a good record in Maths will assist your child in college and even afterwards. A successful career can rely on the ability of your child to do well in Maths. 

If you want your child not just to know the BODMAS rule but absorb it and learn it in an unconventional and fun way, get in touch with us. Register for free with Edulyte and benefit from its extensive experience in maths education. With its latest learning tools and highly qualified maths faculty for online maths classes, your child will get the proper guidance and learn well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of the BODMAS rule?

The BODMAS rule is essential in many mathematical problems. BODMAS is the acronym for
B – Brackets, 
O – Order of powers or roots,
D – Division, 
M – Multiplication,
A – Addition, 
S – Subtraction. 

Do you use BODMAS when there are no Brackets?

Yes, we use the BODMAS rule to get the correct answer even if there are no brackets. Just start solving from ‘order’ or ‘of’ followed by division or multiplication, then addition and subtraction.

Which comes first, addition or multiplication?

As per the BODMAS, you should first do multiplication and then addition.  Your answer will be incorrect if you add before multiplication.

Do you add or multiply first if there are no brackets?

Suppose there are no brackets in a mathematical expression. In that case, we will perform multiplication if multiplication comes first in the mathematical expression from left to right.

What is the fastest way to solve BODMAS questions?

The fastest way to solve BODMAS questions is to follow the sequence. If there are no brackets, you quickly come to multiplication and continue with the sequence.

Who invented Bodmas and why?

Achilles Reselfelt was the mathematician who invented BODMAS. He developed this method to help solve mathematical problems involving operational signs. It guides the order of operations to make calculations easier and systematic so you can come to the correct answer.

Why do we need Bodmas rule?

Maths is all about logical interpretations and systematic solving of problems. Hence it requires a specific set of procedures to be observed. It is easy to perform one function, like addition, with two or three numbers. But if a question involves more than one operation, it can be confusing to solve the problem without guidance.

Where is Bodmas used?

You can utilise BODMAS whenever there is more than one operation in a mathematical equation or expression. We have to follow the sequence so that the results are correct, just calculating from left to right or in a haphazard manner.

What is the meaning of O in the BODMAS rule?

The meaning of O in BODMAS is ‘order’ or ‘of’. This part of the operation comes after the Brackets calculations as per the BODMAS rule.

What is the difference between BODMAS and PEMDAS?

PEMDAS is a similar sequence of operations you must follow, just like BODMAS. The complete form of PEMDAS. 
P – Parenthesis
E – Exponents
M – Multiplication
D – Division
A – Addition
S – Subtraction
In some countries, due to a different set of terms used, BODMAS become PEMDAS.
Unlike BODMAS, in PEMDAS, multiplication is performed before division. 

How to hire a maths tutor?

Hiring the best maths tutor isn’t a tedious task anymore. Just search the online tutoring platforms to find the tutor of your choice. Edulyte makes it even easier. Quality education is ensured through a rigorous tutor recruitment process for Essential Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics. 
Register online with us. 
Go through tutor profiles for their experience and specialisation, timings. 
Choose the tutor that meets your requirement. And let our learning begin.

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