The BODMAS Rule: Explained for students and parents with examples

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

B	Brackets ( ), { }, [ ]
O	Order of Square roots, indices, exponents and powers
D	Division  ÷, /
M	Multiplication  ×, *
A	Addition +
S	Subtraction –

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 without Brackets

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.