Use BIDMAS
- Do brackets first.
- Then indices, division/multiplication, addition/subtraction.
- Work left to right for operations with equal priority.
Answer: (3 + 4) × 2 = 14
🔢 Number
Order of operations
Learn order of operations with a GCSE-style explanation, help guide, worked example, practice question and flashcards.
Global XP
Level 10 / 100 XP
1. Explanation
Key idea
- Order of operations is part of number and appears often in KS3–GCSE maths.
- BIDMAS gives the order of operations.
- Use the worked model, help guide, interactive question and flashcards to practise order of operations until the steps feel automatic.
Real-life examples
- Shopping, sport, travel, science, design and everyday decisions all use this skill.
2. Visual
Order of operations learning map
Understand the key idea → follow the help guide → practise a question → check your method → build speed with flashcards.
3. Help guide
How to tackle Order of operations
- Learn the rule: BIDMAS gives the order of operations.
- Worked model: Do brackets first. Then indices, division/multiplication, addition/subtraction. Work left to right for operations with equal priority.
- Try the interactive question without looking at the answer first.
- Use the flashcards to test the rule, the method and a common check.
4. Worked examples
Step-by-step working
5. Interactive questions
Try it yourself
Calculate 3 + 4 × 2.
6. Flashcards
Master quick recall
Flip each card, then choose whether you know it or need more practice.
0 mastered
FrontRule for Order of operations
BackBIDMAS gives the order of operations.
FrontExample answer: Calculate 3 + 4 × 2.
Back4 × 2 = 8, then 3 + 8 = 11.
FrontCommon check for Order of operations
BackCheck units/notation, compare with an estimate, and make sure the answer matches the question.
7. Finish
Complete this topic
When you have read the examples, tried the question and reviewed flashcards, claim your topic completion XP.