Operation Hierarchy Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Evaluate \(3 + 4 \times 2\) using the correct order of operations.

Solution

  1. 1
    Order of operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
  2. 2
    No parentheses or exponents.
  3. 3
    Multiplication first: \(4 \times 2 = 8\).
  4. 4
    Then addition: \(3 + 8 = 11\).

Answer

11
Multiplication is performed before addition in the order of operations. \(3 + 4 \times 2 = 3 + 8 = 11\), not \((3+4) \times 2 = 14\).

About Operation Hierarchy

The layered relationship between arithmetic operations, where each is built from the previous: multiplication from addition, exponentiation from multiplication.

Learn more about Operation Hierarchy →

More Operation Hierarchy Examples

Example 2 medium

Evaluate (2 + 3^2 times (4 - 1) div 9).

Example 3 easy

Evaluate (10 - 2 times 3 + 1).

Example 4 medium

Evaluate ((5 + 3)^2 div 4 - 6).

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