Mathematics is considered by many to be the language of the universe. The various symbols and notations appear across the world. This field of study continuously evolves as new insights and applications become available. To interact with this language effectively, an individual must understand the order of operations. For beginners, the order of these operations can be challenging to remember. However, with the use of a specific mnemonic device, this order becomes clear. This mnemonic device is PEMDAS, or please excuse my dear aunt, Sally.
Remembering to Say Please
While it is always polite to say please, the first letter in this device refers to parentheses. Parentheses often appear in mathematics, and they are always addressed first when solving a problem. Parentheses are the first step in the order of operations because a mathematical problem cannot be solved if the terms are all over the place. Parentheses help create an order for a wide variety of symbols.
Excusing Yourself
Excusing yourself from a conversation or event is polite as well. However, this second letter reminds students to look for any exponents in the problem. If there are exponents present, these numbers should be taken to the respective power before the student solves anything else. Using exponents are pretty straightforward as they use repeat multiplication. For example, if you have the number two raised to the power of three, this would equal eight. Getting the exponents out of the way also helps simplify the expression further and makes a given problem more clear for students to solve.
Minding One’s Business
The third letter in the order of operations involves looking for any form of multiplication. Students that use this order of operations should have mastered this concept by now. An individual scans the problem for a multiplication sign and performs the proper operation when applicable.
Dividing Line
Performing division is the fourth operation that is addressed and often confuses students. The actual concept behind dividing is relatively simple, but it becomes complicated when surrounded by other operations. As long as the student understands the first three operations, using division will become clear in the context of a problem.
Adding Value
Applying addition is the second to last step in the order of operations and unanimously considered to be the easiest. When thinking of arithmetic, addition makes students reminisce about elementary school and simpler times. Seeing addition once a student reaches higher levels of mathematics will always be welcome in the order of operations.
Subtracting Excess
Subtraction is another form of arithmetic that students have become all too familiar with at this stage of education. As it is the opposite of addition, there should not be too much mental strain for this final step in the order of mathematical operations. Students subtract when the minus sign is present and should be able to solve the problem from that point.
Operations in any aspect of life make tasks much more accessible than how they initially appear. Mnemonic devices are especially useful in this area. This concept in mathematics will undoubtedly have value for years to come.
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