The BODMAS Rule is a step-by-step guide that tells us the correct order to perform operations in a mathematical expression.
It stands for Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.
Following this order ensures that everyone gets the same correct answer, no matter how complex the question looks!
Detailed Explanation (Step-by-Step)
Let’s understand why the BODMAS rule is so important. In mathematics, when we have many operations in one expression, we can’t just solve from left to right randomly.
We must follow the correct order to avoid mistakes.
Here’s what each letter in BODMAS means:
| Letter | Full Form | Meaning / Operation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Brackets | Solve anything inside brackets first. | \( (8 + 2) = 10 \) |
| O | Orders | Powers, squares, cubes, or roots. | \( 3^2 = 9, \sqrt{16} = 4 \) |
| D | Division | Perform division next. | \( 12 ÷ 3 = 4 \) |
| M | Multiplication | Then multiply. | \( 4 × 2 = 8 \) |
| A | Addition | After that, add numbers. | \( 8 + 5 = 13 \) |
| S | Subtraction | Lastly, subtract. | \( 13 – 3 = 10 \) |
Tip: If you see both Division and Multiplication (or Addition and Subtraction) in a problem, solve them from left to right as they appear.
Example or Analogy
Example 1: Without Brackets
Simplify \( 10 + 6 ÷ 2 × 3 \)
Step 1: Division first → \( 6 ÷ 2 = 3 \)
Step 2: Multiplication next → \( 3 × 3 = 9 \)
Step 3: Addition last → \( 10 + 9 = 19 \)
Final Answer: 19 ✅
Example 2: With Brackets
Simplify \( (8 + 4) × 2 \)
Step 1: Solve brackets → \( 8 + 4 = 12 \)
Step 2: Multiply → \( 12 × 2 = 24 \)
Final Answer: 24 ✅
Real-Life Analogy
Think of BODMAS as a “Math Traffic Rule.” 🚦
When you’re driving, you follow the order of traffic lights — red, yellow, green.
Similarly, in math, you follow the order B → O → D → M → A → S.
If you don’t follow the order, you get into a “math accident” (a wrong answer)!
Important Formulas / Facts
- BODMAS expands to: Brackets → Orders → Division → Multiplication → Addition → Subtraction.
- Types of brackets: Parentheses ( ), Square brackets [ ], Curly braces { }.
- Always solve from innermost to outermost bracket.
- For Division and Multiplication or Addition and Subtraction together — solve from left to right.
\( \boxed{\text{BODMAS: } ( ) → ^{} → ÷ → × → + → -} \)
Quick Quiz (2 Questions)
- Simplify \( 20 – 4 × 2 + 8 ÷ 4 \)
- Find the value of \( (6 + 2) × (9 ÷ 3) \)
Answer Key
- Solution: \( 20 – 8 + 2 = 14 \)
- Solution: \( (8) × (3) = 24 \)