BODMAS Algebra Numbers

BODMAS Rule Explanation

It explains the order of operations to be performed while solving an expression. According to the
BODMAS rule, if an expression contains brackets ((), {}, []) we have first to solve or simplify the bracket
followed by ‘order’ (that means powers and roots, etc.), then division, multiplication, addition and
subtraction from left to right. Solving the problem in the wrong order will result in a wrong answer.

The BODMAS rule can be applied, if the expression involving more than one operator. In this case, first,
we have to simplify the terms inside the bracket from the inner most bracket to the outermost bracket
[{()}], and simplify the roots or exponents, if any. Then perform multiplication or division operation from left
to right. Finally, perform addition or subtraction operation to get the accurate answer.

Note: The “O” in the BODMAS full form is also called “Order”, which refers to the numbers which involve
powers, square roots, etc. Check the examples below to have a better understanding of using the
BODMAS rule.

BODMAS Rule Full form

As we mentioned earlier, the full form of BODMAS is Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition,
Subtraction. While applying the BODMAS rule we should follow the order of these operations.

B Brackets ( ), { }, [ ]

O Order of Square roots, indices, exponents and powers

D Division ÷, /

M Multiplication ×, *

A Addition +

S Subtraction –

What is BODMAS Rule?

BODMAS stands for Bracket, Of, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. The BODMAS is used
to explain the order of operation of a mathematical expression. In some regions, the BODMAS is also
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known as PEDMAS which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and
Subtraction.

According to BODMAS rule, the brackets have to be solved first followed by powers or roots (i.e. of), then
Division, Multiplication, Addition, and at the end Subtraction. Solving any expression is considered correct
only if the BODMAS rule or the PEDMAS rule is followed to solve it.

Example Question Using BODMAS Rule:

Take the following questions:
(3+5)-5+2

To solve this, the first bracket has to be solved which will give the following-
(8)-5+2
Now, an addition has to be solved:
(8)-7 = 1.

Conditions and Rules

A few conditions and rules for general simplification are given below:

Condition Rule

x + (y + z) ⇒ x + y + z Open the bracket and add the terms.

Open the bracket and multiply the negative sign with

x – (y + z) ⇒ x – y – z each term inside the bracket.
(All positive terms will be negative and vice-versa)

Multiply the outside term with each term inside the

x(y + z) ⇒ xy + xz
bracket

Tips to Remember BODMAS Rule:

The rules to simplify the expression using BODMAS rule are as follows:

 First, simplify the brackets

 Solve the exponent or root terms
 Perform division or multiplication operation (from left to right)
 Perform addition or subtraction operation (from left to right)
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BODMAS Rule Solved Examples

Example 1:

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 (12+14) 𝑜𝑓 16

Solution-

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: (12+14) 𝑜𝑓 16

Step 1: Solving the fraction inside the bracket first-

12+14=34

Step 2: Now the expression will be (3/4) of 16

=34×16

=12

Simplification of Brackets

Simplification of terms inside the brackets can be done directly. That means we can perform the
operations inside the bracket in the order of division, multiplication, addition and subtraction.

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

Example 2:

Simplify: 14 + (8 – 2 × 3)

Solution:

14 + (8 – 2 × 3)

= 14 + (8 – 6)

= 14 + 2

= 16

Therefore, 14 + (8 – 2 × 3) = 16.

Example 3:
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Simplify the following.

(i) 1800 ÷ [10{(12−6)+(24−12)}]

(ii) 1/2[{−2(1+2)}10]

Solution:

(i) 1800 ÷ [10{(12−6)+(24−12)}]

Step 1: Simplify the terms inside {}.

Step 2: Simplify {} and operate with terms outside the bracket.

1800 ÷ [10{(12−6)+(24−12)}]

= 1800 ÷ [10{6+12}]

= 1800 ÷ [10{18}]

Step 3: Simplify the terms inside [ ].

= 1800 ÷ 180
= 10

(ii) 1/2[{−2(1+2)}10]

Step 1: Simplify the terms inside () followed by {}, then [].

Step 2: Operate terms with the terms outside the bracket.

1/2[{−2(1+2)}10]

= 1/2 [{-2(3)} 10]

= 1/2 [{-6} 10]

= 1/2 [-60]

= -30
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BODMAS Rule without Brackets

The BODMAS rule can be applied to solve the mathematical expression without brackets too. Consider
the following question to verify.

Example 4:

Simplify: 17 – 24 ÷ 6 × 4 + 8

Solution:

17 – 24 ÷ 6 × 4 + 8

As per the BODMAS rule, we should perform the division first.

17 – 4 × 4 + 8

Let’s perform the multiplication.

17 – 16 + 8

Finally, addition and subtraction.

25 – 16 = 9

Example 5:

Simplify the expression: 1/7 of 49 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

Solution:

1/7 of 49 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

= (1/7) × 49 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

= 7 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

= 7 + 5 – 12

= 12 – 12

=0
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Solved Problems On Bodmas

Question 1: Solve 8 + 9 ÷ 9 + 5 × 2 − 7.

Solution:

The problem given is 8 + 9 ÷ 9 + 5 × 2 − 7.

The division operation is performed first.

9÷9=1

So, the expression reduces to 8 + 1 + 5 × 2 − 7

The multiplication operation is taken next,

5 × 2 = 10

So, the expression reduces to 8 + 1 + 10 − 7

The addition operation is

8 + 1 + 10 = 19

The final answer is 19 – 7 = 12.

Question 2: Simplify the expression [25 – 3 (6 + 1)] ÷ 4 + 9.

Solution:

The problem given is [25 – 3 (6 + 1)] ÷ 4 + 9.

The round bracket is (6 + 1) = 7.

The next bracket is 3 (7) = 21

Take [25 – 21] ÷ 4 + 9

(25 – 21) = 4

Then division operation is performed,

4÷4=1
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Then 1 + 9 = 10

The final answer is 10.

Question 3: Solve (1 / 4 + 1 / 8) of 64.

Solution:

In the first step, consider (1 / 4 + 1 / 8) = (2 + 1) / 8 = 3 / 8

Take (3 / 8) of 64

Here the term “of” refers to the operation of multiplication.

(3 / 8) of 64 = (3 / 8) * 64

= 24

Question 4: Simplify the given expression: 180 ÷ 15 {(12 – 6) – (14 – 12)}.

Solution:

Initially, the first ( ) brackets are simplified,

180 ÷ 15 {(12 – 6) – (14 – 12)}

= 180 ÷ 15 (6 − 2) (solve round bracket)

= 180 ÷ 15 (4) (solve curly bracket)

= 12 (4) (divide 180 by 15 = 12)

= 12 × 4 (if no operator is mentioned behind any given bracket, multiplication operation can be performed)

= 48

The final answer is 48.

Question 5: Simplify the following expression 3 + 24 × (15 ÷ 3) using the BODMAS rule.

Solution:

The expression given is 3 + 24 × (15 ÷ 3).

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The bracket is taken first.

(15 ÷ 3) = 5

Then 3 + 24 × 5

The calculation is done in order 24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16

16 × 5 = 80

The addition operation is performed next.

3 + 80 = 83

The final answer is 83.

Question 6:

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 16[8−{5−2(2−1―+1)}]𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑂𝐷𝑀𝐴𝑆 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒.

Solution:

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 16[8−{5−2(2−1―+1)}]

First consider the vinculum or line bracket 16 [8 – {5 – 2 (1 + 1)}] = 16 [8 – {5 – 2 * 2}] ( solve the curved
bracket)
= 16 [8 – {5 – 4}]( multiply the curly bracket )
= 16 [8 – 1] ( solve the curly bracket)
= 16 * 7 ( solve the inner part of the square bracket)
= 112
Hence, the final answer is 112.

Question 7: Solve the expression using BODMAS rule{50 – (2 + 3) + 15}.

Solution:

Input Equation:
 BODMAS Algebra Numbers
= {50 – (2 + 3) + 15}

= {50 – (5) + 15}

= {50 – 5 + 15}

= {45 + 15}

= {60}

= 60

Question 8: Simplify the expression using the BODMAS rule [18 – 2 (5 + 1)] ÷ 3 + 7.

Solution:

Input Equation can be rewritten:

= [18 – 2 * (5 + 1)] / 3 + 7

= [18 – 2 * (6)] / 3 + 7

= [18 – 2 * 6] / 3 + 7

= [18 – 12] / 3 + 7

= [6] / 3 + 7

= (6 / 3) + 7

=2+7

=9

BODMAS Rule Problems

Try to solve the BODMAS Rule Questions given below to understand the application of the rule in
simplifications.

1. What is the value of 28 – [26 – {2 + 5 × (6 – 3)}]?

2. Simplify: 2 + 5(4 + 2) + 32 – (1 + 6 × 3)
3. Find the value of 7 + {8 – 3 of (√4 + 2)}.
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