BODMAS Rule

BODMAS rule is an acronym that is used to remember the order of operations to be followed while
solving expressions in mathematics. BODMAS stands for B - Brackets, O - Order of powers or roots, (in
some cases, 'of'), D - Division, M - Multiplication A - Addition, and S - Subtraction. It means that
expressions having multiple operators need to be simplified from left to right in this order only. First, we
solve brackets, then powers or roots, then division or multiplication (whichever comes first from the left
side of the expression), and then finally, subtraction or addition, whichever comes on the left side.

In this lesson, we will be learning about the BODMAS rule which helps to solve arithmetic expressions,
containing multiple operations, like, addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), division (÷), and
brackets ( ).

What is BODMAS?

BODMAS, which is referred to as the order of operations, is a sequence to perform operations in an

arithmetic expression. Math is all about logic and some standard rules that make our calculations easier.
So, BODMAS is one of those standard rules for simplifying expressions that have multiple operators.

In arithmetic, an expression or an equation involves two components:

 Numbers

 Operators

Numbers

Numbers are mathematical values used for counting and representing quantities, and for making
calculations. In math, numbers can be classified as natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational
numbers, irrational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, and imaginary numbers.

Operators or Operations

An operator is a character that combines two numbers and produces an expression or equation. In math,
the most common operators are Addition (+), Subtraction (-), Multiplication (×), Division (÷). For
mathematical expressions or equations, in which only a single operator is involved, finding the answer is
fairly simple. In the case of multiple operators, finding a solution becomes a little trickier! Let us
understand this with an example. Jenny and Ron solved a mathematical expression 6 × 3 + 2 separately.
The following are the two different methods by which Jenny and Ron solved the expression:

Jenny's Method: 6 × 3 + 2 = 6 × 5 = 30, Ron's Method: 6 × 3 + 2 = 18 + 2 = 20.

As we can observe, Jenny and Ron got different answers. In mathematics, we know that there can only
be one correct answer to this expression. How to decide who is correct? In such cases, we
use BODMAS to find the correct answer. Let us look at the example given below to get an idea of how
BODMAS works:
Bodmas Examples

Let us understand this using BODMAS examples.

Example 1: Simplify the expression using BODMAS.

10 + (5 × 3 + 2)

Solution: Let us solve 10 + (5 × 3 + 2) step by step.

 Step 1: We need to solve the brackets first. So, this will be 10 + (15 + 2)

 Step 2: This will result in 10 + 17 = 27

Example 2: Simplify the expression using BODMAS.

15 + (30 ÷ 2)

Solution:

Let us solve 15 + (30 ÷ 2) step by step.

 Step 1: We need to solve the brackets first. So, 15 + (30 ÷ 2) = 15 + 15

 Step 2: This will result in 15 + 15 = 30

BODMAS Full Form

The BODMAS rule is used to evaluate mathematical expressions and to deal with complex calculations in
a much easier and standard way.

BODMAS Meaning

According to the BODMAS rule, to solve any arithmetic expression, we first solve the terms written in
brackets, and then we simplify the exponential terms, or solve for the operation 'of', which means
multiplication, and move ahead to division and multiplication operations, and then, in the end, work on
the addition and subtraction. Following the order of operations in the BODMAS rule, always results in
the correct answer. Simplification of terms inside the brackets can be done directly. This means we can
perform the operations inside the bracket in the order of division, multiplication, addition, and
subtraction. If there are multiple brackets in an expression, all the same types of brackets can be solved
simultaneously. For example, (14 + 19) ÷ (13 - 2) = 33 ÷ 11 = 3.

Observe the table given below to understand the terms and operations denoted by the BODMAS
acronym in the proper order.

B [{( )}] Brackets

O x² Order of Powers or Roots, (in some cases, 'of')

D ÷ Division

M × Multiplication

A + Addition

S - Subtraction

 It should be noted that when we have all the 3 types of brackets, we start solving from the
innermost brackets/parenthesis (), followed by the curly braces{}, and then the square brackets [
].

 Another point to be remembered is that for the letter 'O', we use 'Order of Powers or Roots',
however, in some cases, where 'of' is given, we solve 'of' which means multiplication.

BODMAS or PEMDAS

BODMAS and PEMDAS are two acronyms that are used to remember the order of operations. The
BODMAS rule is almost similar to the PEMDAS rule. There is a difference in the abbreviation because
certain terms are known by different names in different countries. While using the BODMAS rule or the
PEMDAS rule we should remember that when we come to the step of division and multiplication, we
solve the operation which comes first from the left side of the expression. The same rule applies to
addition and subtraction, that is, we solve that operation that comes first on the left side.

When to Use BODMAS?

BODMAS is used when there is more than one operation in a mathematical expression. There is a
sequence of certain rules that needs to be followed when using the BODMAS method. This gives a
proper structure to produce a unique answer for every mathematical expression.

Conditions to follow:

 If there is any bracket, open the bracket, then add or subtract the terms. a + (b + c) = a + b + c, a
+ (b - c) = a + b - c

inside the bracket. a - (b + c) ⇒ a - b - c

 If there is a negative sign just open the bracket, and multiply the negative sign with each term

bracket. a(b + c) ⇒ ab + ac
 If there is any term just outside the bracket, multiply that outside term with each term inside the

Easy Ways to Remember the BODMAS Rule

The simple rules to remember the BODMAS rule are given below:

 Simplify the brackets first.

 Solve all exponential terms.

 Perform division or multiplication (go from left to right)

 Perform addition or subtraction (go from left to right)

Common Errors While Using the BODMAS Rule

One can make some common errors while applying the BODMAS rule to simplify expressions and those
errors are given below:

 The presence of multiple brackets may cause confusion and thus we may end up getting a wrong
answer. So, if there are multiple brackets in an expression, all the same types of brackets can be
solved simultaneously.

 An error occurs in certain cases because of lack of proper understanding of the addition and
subtraction of integers. For example, 1-3+4 = -2+4 = 2. But sometimes the following errors are
made that lead to the wrong answer, such as 1-3+4 =1-7 = -6.

 An error by assuming that division has higher precedence over multiplication and addition has
higher precedence over subtraction. Following the rule of left to right while choosing these
operations helps to get the correct answer.

 Multiplication and division are same-level operations and have to be performed in left to right
sequence (whichever comes first in the expression) and the same with addition and subtraction
which are same levels operations to be performed after multiplication and division. If one solves
division first before multiplication (which is on the left side of division operation) as D comes
before M in BODMAS, they might end up getting the wrong answer.

☛ Related Topics

 Addition

 Subtraction

 Multiplication

 Division

 Order of Operations

 Order of Operations Worksheets 5th Grade

 PEMDAS Worksheets 5th Grade

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Worksheets on BODMAS
BODMAS

Worksheets on BODMAS

BODMAS Rule Examples

 Example 1: Simplify the expression by using the BODMAS rule: [18 - 2(5 + 1)] ÷ 3 + 7

Solution:

The given expression is [18 - 2(5 + 1)] ÷ 3 + 7

 Step 1: We begin with solving the innermost bracket first. Starting with 5 + 1 = 6. Thus,
[18 - 2(6)] ÷ 3 + 7

 Step 2: Next, we work with the order, thereby multiplying 2 (6) or 2 × 6 = 12. Thus, [18 -
12] ÷ 3 + 7

 Step 3: There is one bracket left, [18 - 12] = 6. So, 6 ÷ 3 + 7

 Step 4: After B and O comes D, hence, 6 ÷ 3 = 2. So, 2 + 7

 Step 5: And finally, addition, 2 + 7 = 9

∴ The expression is simplified and the answer is 9.

 Example 2: Evaluate using the order of operations using the BODMAS rule: (1 + 20 - 16 ÷ 4²) ÷ {(5
- 3)² + 12 ÷ 2}

Solution:

 Step 1: First, we need to simplify the innermost bracket, (1 + 20 - 16 ÷ 4²) ÷ {2² + 12 ÷ 2}

 Step 2: Now we have to evaluate exponents, (1 + 20 - 16 ÷ 16) ÷ {4 + 12 ÷ 2}

 Step 3: Now, we need to divide 16 by 16 and 12 by 2 inside the brackets, and we get, (1 +
20 - 1) ÷ {4 + 6}

 Step 4: Add 1 to 20 and 4 to 6, (21 - 1) ÷ 10

  Step 5: Subtract 1 from 21 to solve the bracket, we get, 20 ÷ 10

 Step 6: Divide 20 by 10 to get the final answer, we get 2.

∴ (1 + 20 - 16 ÷ 4²) ÷ {(5 - 3)² + 12 ÷ 2} = 2

 Example 3: Simplify the expression by using the BODMAS rule: (9 × 3 ÷ 9 + 1) × 3

Solution:

 Step 1: Using Bodmas Rule (left to right whichever operations come first we will follow
that). Here, first we need to multiply 9 by 3 in the given expression, (9 × 3 ÷ 9 + 1) × 3,
and we get, (27 ÷ 9 + 1) × 3

 Step 2: Now, we need to divide 27 by 9 inside the bracket, and we get, (3 + 1) × 3

 Step 3: Remove the parentheses after adding 3 and 1, we get, 4 × 3

 Step 4: Multiply 4 by 3 to get the final answer, which is 12.

∴ (9 × 3 ÷ 9 + 1) × 3 = 12

 Example 4: Solve the given expression applying the BODMAS rule: [50-{3×(9+7)}]

Solution:

To solve this expression, [50-{3×(9+7)}], we will use the following steps:

 Step 1: Solve the innermost bracket by adding 9 to 7, that is, 16. So, the simplified
expression is [50-{3×16}]

 Step 2: Multiply 3 by 16, to get [50-48]

 Step 3: Subtract 48 from 50 to get the final answer, i.e., 2.

What are Brackets?

You must have seen different symbols like these: (, ), [, ], {, and } in your math books. These symbols are
called brackets. Brackets in mathematics serve a very important purpose; these symbols help us group
different expressions or numbers together. Brackets imply that the thing or expression enclosed by
them is to be given higher precedence over other things.
Different kinds of Brackets

In math, you will often have to use brackets while creating or solving equations. They help in grouping
numbers and defining the order of operations. Generally, three kinds of brackets are used in
mathematics,

 Parentheses or Round Brackets, ( )

 Curly or Brace Brackets { }

 Square or Box Brackets [ ]

Brackets always come in pairs, and if there is an opening bracket, there has to be a closing bracket. The
opening brackets are (, [ and {. Their corresponding closing brackets are ), ] and }.

Parentheses Brackets

These are also known as the round brackets and written as ( ). These are the most common types of
brackets. They are used for grouping different values and equations together. Parentheses or “round
brackets” are used to group terms together or specify the order of operations in an equation.
How to Use Parentheses in Math?

 In math, you can use parentheses in math to separate numbers. For instance, you can use them
to mention negative numbers when writing an addition equation.

Here is an example to understand this better:

3+(−5)=−2
  The second use of parentheses in math is to multiply numbers. If there is no arithmetic
operation present in an equation, the presence of parentheses means you have to
apply multiplication.

Let us understand this with an example:

6(4+2)

can be written as 6×(4+2)

Therefore, the answer is 6×6=36.

 The third and final use of parentheses in math is to group numbers and define the order of
operations.

 When used simply around numbers, the round brackets denote multiplication.

For example : (3)(4)=12

 They can also be used to write negative integers in mathematical expressions.

For example 5+(−4)=1

 Parentheses can also be used to separate out numbers from their exponents. For example: (2)−3

Examples: (2+4),5(111),25−(12+8), etc.

Curly Brackets

Braces in math are symbols that are used twice, once to open “{“ and once to close “}” an
argument, expression, or equation. These are commonly referred to as curly brackets and written as { }.

In general, we use braces in math for two purposes:

 For grouping a large equation, in which the second-last bracket is braces or curly brackets. For
example, 7[2+{3(1+1)+1}]

 For denoting a set, such as {x, y, z,…}

Like Parentheses, curly brackets are also used to group various mathematical components; however,
curly brackets are also used to depict sets or to write nested expressions. Examples:

[4+{3×(−2)}]−[{(4×6)+(14÷7)}−(−3)],

[{12−(12−2)}+(5−7)]+9, etc.

How Do We Use Braces in Math?

Braces in math are frequently used in mathematical expressions when we have two or more than two
nested groups for calculations.

So, in the first nested group, we use parentheses. In the second nested group, we use braces, and in the
third nested group, we use box brackets, which contain both parentheses and braces.

For example: 3[2−{4(2+2)+2}]

Here, we have three nested groups with appropriate brackets.

So, the order of solving would be:

Fun Facts
 Some conventions differentiate the order of solving brackets, which is:
We will use the first convention with curly brackets in the second position throughout this article.
You need to know the BODMAS or order of operations to simplify and solve a problem.
Square Brackets
Square brackets are generally used to distinguish between sub-expressions of a complex mathematical
expression.
Examples: [100−(3−1)+(7×8)],10×[(4−2)×(4×2)], etc.
Order of Operations of Brackets
When we evaluate a mathematical expression that is made up of different brackets, we have to follow
certain rules. This is called the rules of operation or order of operation of brackets.
When we have a long equation for multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, we solve each
function in order to find the right answer. If the problem is solved without this order, then the chances of
getting a wrong answer are high!
 The general order of operation of the bracket can be illustrated as [{()}]; this means that in a
given problem, you would have to simplify the values in the innermost bracket first. This means
that first () brackets will be solved, following which, {} brackets are solved and finally [] brackets.
 The second step in solving these problems is to look for an exponent; if there is any, solve it first.
 In the third step, we look for expressions with multiplication or division operators. If both the
operators are present, we check the expression from left to right. Whichever operator comes
first, we solve that operator first.
For example, in the expression, 10×6÷5, we check from left to right, since multiplication comes first so
we solve multiplication first and then division.
10×6÷5
=60÷5
=12
 In the fourth and last step, we look for numbers that need to be added or subtracted. We follow
the same instruction if both the operators are present, we look from left to right in the
expression, and whichever operator comes first, we solve that expression first. But if the
operations are in brackets, we always solve the brackets first since brackets have the utmost
precedence.
To remember the above mention steps, we can use the acronym PEMDAS,
P – Parentheses,(or brackets)
E – Exponents, (or order)
M – Multiplication
D – Division
A – Addition
S – Subtraction.
Example 1: Let’s use pemdas to evaluate the expression
100−[(3−1)+(7×8)]
Step 1: Solve the brackets. Follow the order of solving round brackets () first, then curly brackets {}, and
then square brackets [].
=100−[(2)+(56)]
=100−58
Step 2: No exponent in the given expression.
Step 3: No multiplication or division in the given expression.
Step 4: Solve the subtraction.
=100−58
=42
Example 2: While we write the order in the above form, division or multiplication and addition or
subtraction hold equal importance. This means that you can either take up multiplication first or division
first.
Similarly, you can take either addition first or subtraction first. The answer will be the same. So, we
usually try to solve these two from left to right.
Let’s solve the above example:
4[2+{3(1+1)+2}]
First, we start with the innermost bracket (the parentheses).
=4[2+{3(2)+2}]
Now, we solve the braces or curly brackets.
=4[2+{6+2}]
=4[2+8]
Then, we solve the square brackets.
=4[10]
=40
In summary:
Here is the order you can follow when multiple symbols are present in an equation:

If you come across parentheses in an equation, you will first look at the terms present within them.
Let us understand this better with an example.
Take the problem: 9−10÷5–3×2+7
Let us solve this using the order of operations you have learned.
=9−10÷5–3×2+7
=9−2−3×2+7 (First, you divide)
=9−2−6+7 (Then, you multiply)
=7−6+7 (Then, you subtract)
=1+7 (Then, you subtract)
=8 (And finally, you add)
Now, let us look at the same problem with parentheses:
9−10÷(5−3)×2+7
You need to calculate the numbers within the parentheses first.
=9−10÷2×2+7 (Solve the expression inside the parentheses)
=9−5×2+7 (Divide)
=9−10+7 (Multiply)
=−1+7 (Add)
=6
Did you notice? The answer to the same equation changed because parentheses were present in the
equation!
Point to Remember: If there are parentheses inside other parentheses, you solve the inner expression
first.
Let us understand this with an example:
Simplify the expression (2+(3×4))
Here, we will solve the inner bracket first.
So, the expression will become (2+12)=14

Note that it is highly recommended to write any mathematical equation or expression with proper use of
parentheses, leaving no place for ambiguity. It is important to convey the intention behind writing the
math operations and indicate which operations should be carried out first.
Solved Examples on Brackets
Question 1: Find the value of the expression: (5+4)−(3−2).
Answer: The given expression is,
(5+4)−(3−2),
Step 1: Solving the values in the brackets,
(9)−(1),
Thus, the answer is (9)−(1)=8.
Question 2: Find the value of the expression: {(7−2)×3}÷5
Answer: The given equation is,
{(7−2)×3}÷5
Step 1: Solving the parentheses
{(7−2)×3}÷5
={5×3}÷5
Solving the curly bracket
={15}÷5
=15÷5
=3
Question 3: Find the value of the expression: (12÷6)×(4−2)
Solution:
The given equation is,
(12÷6)×(4−2)
Solving the values in the brackets,
(2)×(2)
Thus, the answer is (2)×(2)=4
Question 4: Find the value of the expression: [120+{(3×4)+(4−2)−1}+20]
Answer: Following the PEMDAS rule, first,
Step 1: We solve the values in ( ) brackets,
[120+{(3×4)+(4−2)−1}+20]
=[120+{(12)+(2)−1}+20],
Now we solve the values inside the { } brackets,
=[120+{13}+20],
Finally, add all the values in the [ ] bracket,
The answer is 153.
Example 5: Simplify the expression: (2+4×6)−4+(2×3)
Solution: Start by solving the expressions inside the parentheses.
=(2+24)−4+6 (Multiply inside the parentheses)
=26−4+6 (Solve the terms inside the parentheses)
=22+6 (Add)
=28
Example 6: Simplify the expression: (2×(7−5))−((6÷3)+4)
Start by solving the innermost parentheses
=(2×2)−(2+4)
=4−6
=−2
Example 7: Simplify the expression: 2(3+5)+8(4−1)
First, solve the expressions within the parentheses.
Here, the parentheses also denote a multiplication sign.
=2×8+8×3
=16+24
=40
Example 8: If you have to solve the following equation, how will you proceed?
2[1−{2(2+2)+2}]
Solution: We solve the parentheses first:
=2[1−{2(4)+2}]
=2[1−{8+2}]
Now, we solve the braces:
=2[1−{10}]
Finally, we solve the square brackets:
=2[−9]
=−18
Example 9: How would you solve the following equation?
4{5(4+2)+1}
Solution: First, we solve the parentheses:
=4{5(6)+1}
Now, we need to solve the curly brackets. But within these brackets, we have to solve multiplication and
addition.
So, we multiply first and then add:
=4{30+1}
=4{31}
Finally, we multiply 4 with the value inside the braces:
=124
Example 10: What is the process you will follow to solve an equation with more than one
parentheses?
20÷{1(2+2)+(3+3)}
Solution: We will start by solving the equations within the parentheses:
=20÷{1(4)+(3+3)}
=20÷{1(4)+(6)}
Now, we have to solve the equation within the braces, but we have multiplication within the curly
brackets, so we will solve that first:
=20÷{4+(6)}
=20÷{10}
=2÷1
=2
Practice Problems on Brackets
1
Solve: [{(22+33)×42}−(20÷5)]
490
492
494
500
2
What is the right representation of the order of operation in brackets?
({[]})
[({})]
{[()]}
[{()}]
3
[{(12)2}−3]2
4,096
64
256
1,024
4
Solve this expression, 12+(5+3),
18
20
16
8
5
Simplify the expression: (3+2×8)–4+(5×7)
45
50
24
40
6
Simplify the expression: (4×(6–2))–((8÷2)+5)
7
2
17
10
7
Simplify the expression: 4(3+2)+4(7–2)
10
50
20
40
8
Solve the equation containing braces in math.
57÷{5+(4×2)+(3+3)}
3
4
13
4
9
Which of the following examples use braces, brackets, and parentheses correctly?
60 ÷ [(2 × 2) + (3 + 3)}
60 ÷ {(2 × 2) + (3 + 3)}
60 ÷ {[2 × 2] + (3 + 3)}
(60 ÷ {[2 × 2] + (3 + 3})
10
If we have the following expressions inside the curly brackets, which of the expressions would you
solve first?
10{(42)+(6×2)–(3+3)+(7–2)}
(42)
(42)or(6×2)
Any parentheses inside the {},(42),(6×2),(3+3),(7–2)}
None of the above