Solve 10÷2-4: Order of Operations Practice Problem

Q: Why can't I just work from left to right?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a universal math rule! Division has higher priority than subtraction, so you must do $ 10\div2 $ first, even though subtraction comes after it.

Q: What if there were parentheses around 2-4?

Great question! If it were $ 10\div(2-4) $, then you'd do the parentheses first: 2-4 = -2, then $ 10\div(-2) = -5 $. Parentheses always come first in PEMDAS!

Q: How do I remember the order of operations?

Use PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Many students remember "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!"

Q: Are multiplication and division really equal priority?

Yes! Multiplication and division have equal priority, so you work from left to right when you see them together. Same rule applies to addition and subtraction.

Q: What's the most common mistake with this type of problem?

Students often work straight from left to right, getting 10 - 2 - 4 = 4 or similar wrong answers. Remember: division always comes before subtraction, no matter where it appears in the expression!

Order of Operations with Division First

$10\div2-4=$

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Understand the problem

$10\div2-4=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression $10\div2-4=$ , follow the order of operations, which prioritizes division over addition.

Divide $10$ by $2$ to get $5$ .
subtract $4$ from $5$ : $5-4 = 1$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Division comes before subtraction in order of operations
Technique: First calculate $10\div2 = 5$ , then subtract 4
Check: Verify by working left to right: 5 - 4 = 1 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following order of operations
Don't subtract first: 10 ÷ (2-4) = 10 ÷ (-2) = -5! This ignores the order of operations rule. Always do division before subtraction: 10 ÷ 2 - 4 = 5 - 4 = 1.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$8 + 3 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just work from left to right?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a universal math rule! Division has higher priority than subtraction, so you must do $10\div2$ first, even though subtraction comes after it.

What if there were parentheses around 2-4?

Great question! If it were $10\div(2-4)$ , then you'd do the parentheses first: 2-4 = -2, then $10\div(-2) = -5$ . Parentheses always come first in PEMDAS!

How do I remember the order of operations?

Use PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Many students remember "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!"

Are multiplication and division really equal priority?

Yes! Multiplication and division have equal priority, so you work from left to right when you see them together. Same rule applies to addition and subtraction.

What's the most common mistake with this type of problem?

Students often work straight from left to right, getting 10 - 2 - 4 = 4 or similar wrong answers. Remember: division always comes before subtraction, no matter where it appears in the expression!

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