BIDMAS and Operations
Definition: BIDMAS, or BODMAS is an acronym which stands for:
Brackets
Indices/Order
Division
Multiplication
Addition
Subtraction
The acronym “BIDMAS” shows in which order the operations of a question should be done. If the
order is not followed correctly, the answer will be inaccurate.
The Parts of BIDMAS
Brackets:
“Brackets” refers to when there is an individual operation within an opening and closing bracket. It is
necessary to do this operation before any other.
For example, in the following, the part in green must be completed first.
2x3+(9-2)
Even though in BIDMAS, multiplication comes before subtraction, we did the subtraction first as it was in
brackets.
If there is a number outside brackets with no operation symbols in between (could be a negative number sign)
do what is inside the brackets and multiply it with the said number directly outside.
Indices:
“Indices” are also known as “Powers” or “Order” and they are the small number that you see to the top right
of the main number.
For example, the following statement shows “3 to the power of 2, or 3 squared”: 32
The value of the indice shows how many of the main number you must multiply together to get the true value.
If there is an Indice right outside a bracket, you do what is inside the brackets and square the result.
Definition: BIDMAS, or BODMAS is an acronym which stands for:
Brackets
Indices/Order
Division
Multiplication
Addition
Subtraction
The acronym “BIDMAS” shows in which order the operations of a question should be done. If the
order is not followed correctly, the answer will be inaccurate.
The Parts of BIDMAS
Brackets:
“Brackets” refers to when there is an individual operation within an opening and closing bracket. It is
necessary to do this operation before any other.
For example, in the following, the part in green must be completed first.
2x3+(9-2)
Even though in BIDMAS, multiplication comes before subtraction, we did the subtraction first as it was in
brackets.
If there is a number outside brackets with no operation symbols in between (could be a negative number sign)
do what is inside the brackets and multiply it with the said number directly outside.
Indices:
“Indices” are also known as “Powers” or “Order” and they are the small number that you see to the top right
of the main number.
For example, the following statement shows “3 to the power of 2, or 3 squared”: 32
The value of the indice shows how many of the main number you must multiply together to get the true value.
If there is an Indice right outside a bracket, you do what is inside the brackets and square the result.
