Solve 15-4²:2: Order of Operations Practice Problem

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

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS that ensures everyone gets the same answer! Working left to right would give different results depending on how you group the operations.

Q: What does the colon (:) mean in this problem?

The colon (:) means division, just like the ÷ symbol. So $ 4^2:2 $ is the same as $ 4^2 \div 2 $.

Q: Do I calculate the exponent before or after division?

Always calculate exponents first! In PEMDAS, exponents come before multiplication and division. So $ 4^2 $ becomes 16, then you divide by 2.

Q: How do I remember the order of operations?

Use the memory trick: "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"ParenthesesExponentsMultiplication and Division (left to right)Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Order of Operations with Exponents

$15-4^2:2=$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$15-4^2:2=$

Step-by-step solution

First, compute the power: $4^2 = 16$ .

Next, divide: $16 \div 2 = 8$ .

Finally, subtract: $15 - 8 = 7$ .

Final Answer

$7$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Exponents come before multiplication, division, addition, subtraction
Technique: Calculate $4^2 = 16$ , then $16 \div 2 = 8$ , finally $15 - 8 = 7$
Check: Work left to right after exponents: $15 - 16 \div 2 = 15 - 8 = 7$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following order of operations
Don't calculate 15 - 4 = 11 first, then square and divide = 60.5! This ignores that exponents must be calculated before subtraction. Always follow PEMDAS: exponents first, then division, finally subtraction.

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 can't I just work from left to right like reading?

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS that ensures everyone gets the same answer! Working left to right would give different results depending on how you group the operations.

What does the colon (:) mean in this problem?

The colon (:) means division, just like the ÷ symbol. So $4^2:2$ is the same as $4^2 \div 2$ .

Do I calculate the exponent before or after division?

Always calculate exponents first! In PEMDAS, exponents come before multiplication and division. So $4^2$ becomes 16, then you divide by 2.

How do I remember the order of operations?

Use the memory trick: "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"

Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication and Division (left to right)
Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

What if I get a different answer when I check my work?

Go back and carefully follow each step of PEMDAS. Most errors happen when students skip the exponent step or work left to right instead of following the proper order.

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