When a calculation has more than one operation, there is an order: brackets first, then × and ÷, then + and −. For 3 + 4 × 2, do 4 × 2 = 8 first, then 3 + 8 = 11 — not left to right. Brackets override everything: (3 + 4) × 2 = 14.
Explore this idea with maths tools
Maths you can move
Build 8 + 5
Tap two gold counters to fill the ten-frame.
8 in the frame + 5 waiting. The total stays the same.
Words to know
- operation
- a step like +, −, × or ÷
- brackets
- grouping symbols done first
Worked examples
3 + 4 × 2
- 1.× before +: 4 × 2 = 8.
- 2.3 + 8 = 11.
= 11
20 − 6 ÷ 2
- 1.÷ before −: 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
- 2.20 − 3 = 17.
= 17
(3 + 4) × 2
- 1.Brackets first: 3 + 4 = 7.
- 2.7 × 2 = 14.
= 14
For parents
Method: BODMAS/BIDMAS.
What to say: Name the operations aloud and underline the × or ÷ to do first.
Common mistakes:
- Working strictly left to right (3 + 4 × 2 → 14).
- Multiplying every number together.