Understanding BODMAS for 11-Year-Olds: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is BODMAS?

BODMAS is an acronym used to help remember the order of operations in mathematics. It stands for:

• Brackets
• Orders (powers and square roots, etc.)
• Division
• Multiplication
• Addition
• Subtraction

Why is BODMAS Important?

BODMAS is important because it tells us the order in which to perform calculations so that we get the correct answer. Without it, we might solve the same problem differently and get different results.

Steps to Follow Using BODMAS:

1. Start with Brackets: If there are any calculations in brackets, do those first.
2. Orders Next: After brackets, perform any calculations involving powers or square roots.
3. Then Division and Multiplication: These can be done from left to right. They are equal in priority, so if you see both in the same expression, just go from the left side to the right.
4. Finally Addition and Subtraction: Like multiplication and division, addition and subtraction are also equal in priority. Solve these from left to right as well.

Example:

Let’s look at an example to see how BODMAS works:

Consider the expression: 3 + 6 x (5 + 4) ÷ 3 - 7

1. First, solve anything in brackets: 5 + 4 = 9
2. The expression now is: 3 + 6 x 9 ÷ 3 - 7
3. Next, perform multiplication and division from left to right:
   • First, multiply: 6 x 9 = 54
   • The expression now is: 3 + 54 ÷ 3 - 7
   • Next, divide: 54 ÷ 3 = 18
   • The expression now is: 3 + 18 - 7
4. Now, do addition and subtraction from left to right:
   • Add: 3 + 18 = 21
   • The expression now is: 21 - 7
   • Finally, subtract: 21 - 7 = 14

The final answer is 14.

Practice Problems:

Try solving these on your own using BODMAS:

• 1. 8 + (2 x 3) - 5
• 2. (10 - 2) x 3 + 5
• 3. 4 + 18 ÷ (3 + 3) x 2

Remember to follow the BODMAS rule step by step, and you’ll always get the right answer!