Evaluate the Expression: 4 + 2 + 5² Step by Step

Q: Why do I have to do exponents before addition?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a universal math rule that ensures everyone gets the same answer. Exponents come before addition, so $ 5^2 $ must be calculated first.

Q: What if I accidentally add first and get 72?

If you calculate $ (4 + 2) \times 5^2 = 6 \times 25 = 150 $, that's wrong! There are no parentheses in the original problem, so don't group the addition. Stick to PEMDAS order.

Q: Can I use a calculator for this?

Yes, but be careful! Some calculators follow order of operations automatically, while others don't. It's safest to calculate $ 5^2 = 25 $ first, then add step by step.

Q: How do I remember PEMDAS?

Try the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction. Practice with simple problems until it becomes automatic!

Q: What if there were parentheses like (4 + 2) + 5²?

Then you'd do parentheses first: $ (4 + 2) = 6 $, then exponent: $ 5^2 = 25 $, finally addition: $ 6 + 25 = 31 $. Same answer, but different steps!

Order of Operations with Exponents

$4+2+5^2=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve the following problem

00:03 Break down the exponent

00:07 Always solve multiplication and division before addition and subtraction

00:10 Continue to solve according to the correct order of operations, from left to right

00:14 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$4+2+5^2=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression $4 + 2 + 5^2$ , we need to follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).

Step 1: Calculate Exponents
In the expression we have an exponent: $5^2$ . This means 5 is raised to the power of 2. We calculate this first:
$5^2 = 25$ .

Step 2: Perform Addition
Now, substitute the calculated value back into the expression:
$4 + 2 + 25$ .
Perform the additions from left to right:
$4 + 2 = 6$
Finally add the result to 25:
$6 + 25 = 31$ .

Therefore, the final answer is

31

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Always calculate exponents before addition (PEMDAS order)
Technique: Evaluate $5^2 = 25$ first, then add left to right
Check: Substitute back: $4 + 2 + 25 = 31$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding before calculating exponents
Don't solve $4 + 2 + 5^2$ as $(4 + 2 + 5)^2 = 121$ or $4 + 2 + 5 = 11$ then square! This ignores order of operations and gives wrong answers. Always calculate $5^2 = 25$ first, then add.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the result of the following equation?

$36-4\div2$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I have to do exponents before addition?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a universal math rule that ensures everyone gets the same answer. Exponents come before addition, so $5^2$ must be calculated first.

What if I accidentally add first and get 72?

If you calculate $(4 + 2) \times 5^2 = 6 \times 25 = 150$ , that's wrong! There are no parentheses in the original problem, so don't group the addition. Stick to PEMDAS order.

Can I use a calculator for this?

Yes, but be careful! Some calculators follow order of operations automatically, while others don't. It's safest to calculate $5^2 = 25$ first, then add step by step.

How do I remember PEMDAS?

Try the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction. Practice with simple problems until it becomes automatic!

What if there were parentheses like (4 + 2) + 5²?

Then you'd do parentheses first: $(4 + 2) = 6$ , then exponent: $5^2 = 25$ , finally addition: $6 + 25 = 31$ . Same answer, but different steps!

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