As we know that Mathematics has become the basic need of human being. That’s why all the students must learn at least basic mathematical concepts. While learning mathematics, we have to solve lots of problems. The nature of some problems is such that it is easy for us to solve these problems. On the other hand, there are also some complicated problems which are hard to solve for us. It means that if we are going to solve mathematical problems like (2 x 8), (16/4), (6 – 3) and so on, it is easy for us to solve these kinds of problems. Its reason is that these kinds of problems have only one operation. On another hand, when we are going to solve some arithmetic operations which involve more than one operation like (2x4-3+4), it is hard for us to understand how to solve this problem because we are not able to understand which operation should be solved first. Under such a situation, we have to use a specific rule and that rule is known as BODMAS rule.

What is BODMAS Rule?

BODMAS is an acronym and by understanding this acronym, it is easy for us to keep in mind the order of the operations while solving different kinds of mathematical problems or operations. The meanings of different words of this acronym are given below;

Ø B → Bracket

It means that first of all, we have to solve the brackets in the mathematical operation. As there are four different kinds of brackets. First of all, we have to solve “━━━━”. Secondly, we have to solve (). Thirdly, we have to solve {}. At last, we have to solve [].

Ø O → Of or Orders

It means that you will have to solve all the numbers which have powers and brackets.

Ø D → Division

It means that you have to perform the division operation.

Ø M → Multiplication

After that, you have to perform the multiplication operation.

Ø A → Addition

After that, you have to add the numbers or terms.

Ø S → Subtraction

At last, you have to subtract the numbers and terms.

Mean, Median, Mode and Range

Types of Triangles with Pictures

What is the Alternative of BODMAS rule?

There are also some regions where PEMDAS rule is used instead of BODMAS rule. The acronym of the PEMDAS rule is given below;

Ø P → Parentheses

Ø E → Exponents

Ø M →Multiplication

Ø D → Division

Ø A →Addition

Ø S → Subtraction

It is considered that BODMAS rule and PEMDAS rule are two similar rules. It means that either you are using BODMAS rule or PEMDAS rule, you will get the same answer. The only difference between BODMAS rule and PEMDAS rule is that in BODMAS rule, you will have to perform division operation before the multiplication operation. On the other hand, in PEMDAS rule, you will have to perform multiplication operation before division operation.

Who Invented the BODMAS Rule?

First of all, the BODMAS rule was introduced by Achilles Reselfelt. The main aim of introducing this kind of mathematical rule was to solve those problems which involve the mathematical signs. When you are going to solve more than one mathematical operation in a mathematical problem, you will have to apply BODMAS rule.

Use of BODMAS Rule with the Help of Examples

After getting an idea about the orders of different operations of the BODMAS rule, we try to solve mathematical problems by using this rule.

Example 1

(6 + 6) × 5

Ø First Step

In the first step, we should solve the bracket according to BODMAS rule. After solving the bracket, we get the answer 12.

12 x 5

Ø Second Step

Now, we have to multiply 12 and 5. After multiplication, we get the answer 60.

Example 2

15 ÷ 3 × 1 + 5

Ø First Step

First of all, we have to solve the brackets. In this case, we don’t have brackets. Therefore, we should perform other basic operations. It means that we have to divide 15 and 3. After performing the division process, we get the answer 5.

5 × 1 + 5

Ø Second Step

After that, we have to perform a multiplication operation. After performing this operation, we get the following thing;

5 + 5

Ø Third Step

At last, we have to add these two terms. After adding 5 and 5, we get the answer 10.

Example 3

4[2+{7(5-3)}]

Ø First Step

In the first step, we have to solve (). After solving it, we get:

4[2+{7x2}]

Ø Second Step

Now, we have to solve {}. After solving it, we get:

4[2+14]

Ø Third Step

Now, we have to solve []. After solving it, we get:

4x16

At last, we have to multiply these two terms. After multiplying 4 and 16, we get the answer 64.

Example 4

20 x 2 – (4/2) x 9 x 2^2

Ø First Step

20 x 2 – (4/2) x 9 x 2^2

Ø Second Step

20 x 2 – 2 x 9 x 2^2

Ø Third Step

20 x 2 – 2 x 9 x 4

Ø Fourth Step

20 x 2 – 72

Ø Fifth Step

40 – 72

Ø Sixth Step

-32

By following these techniques, you will be able to solve any kind of mathematical operation.

Self-Practice Examples Relevant to BODMAS Rule

I think, after reading this article, you have completely learnt the order of operations of the BODMAS rule. Moreover, I have also explained the order of operations with the help of examples. Now, its time to do the practice. Its reason is that we can’t learn math just by reading the articles or content from the books because math requires practice. Therefore, I am sharing some examples for the self-practice. After solving these examples, you should share the answers to these problems in the comment box. I will assign marks after checking your answers.

Ø 5 + (4 × 52 + 3)

Ø 2000÷10(12−6) + (60−10)

Ø 30 × 2 − (4/2) × 10 × 2^2 (Here, ^ is used for power or exponent)

Ø (3^3 - 2 × 2) + (5 × 4 – 2^2)

Ø 4/2[{−2(1+3)}20]

Ø 5 × (6 + 2) x 4

After solving these problems by using BODMAS rule, you should also solve these problems by using PEMDAS rule. You should also share your experience either you have got the same answers by using these two rules or you have got different answers.