Solve: 20 + 8 ÷ 4 - 2 × 3 Using Order of Operations

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

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). This prevents confusion and ensures everyone gets the same answer!

Q: Do I do multiplication before division or division before multiplication?

Either order is fine! Multiplication and division have equal priority, so you work from left to right. In this problem, division comes first: $ 8 \div 4 $, then multiplication: $ 2 \times 3 $.

Q: How do I remember the order of operations?

Use the memory trick "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for PEMDAS. Or remember: multiplication and division first, then addition and subtraction from left to right.

Order of Operations with Mixed Operations

What is the result of the following equation?

$20 + 8 \div 4 - 2 \times 3$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

What is the result of the following equation?

$20 + 8 \div 4 - 2 \times 3$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation, follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS):

1. Perform the division:

$8 \div 4 = 2$

2. Perform the multiplication:

$2 \times 3 = 6$

3. Substitute back into the equation and perform the addition and subtraction from left to right:

$20 + 2 - 6 = 16$

Therefore, the correct answer is $16$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Division and multiplication first, then addition and subtraction
Technique: Calculate $8 \div 4 = 2$ and $2 \times 3 = 6$ before adding/subtracting
Check: Final calculation should be $20 + 2 - 6 = 16$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working from left to right without following PEMDAS
Don't solve 20 + 8 ÷ 4 - 2 × 3 as (20 + 8) ÷ 4 - 2 × 3 = 1! This ignores order of operations and gives completely wrong results. Always do multiplication and division first, then work left to right for addition and subtraction.

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 like reading?

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). This prevents confusion and ensures everyone gets the same answer!

Do I do multiplication before division or division before multiplication?

Either order is fine! Multiplication and division have equal priority, so you work from left to right. In this problem, division comes first: $8 \div 4$ , then multiplication: $2 \times 3$ .

What if I get 10, 18, or 26 as my answer?

These are common wrong answers! 10 comes from doing operations left to right. 18 happens when you add first. 26 occurs when you ignore subtraction. Always follow PEMDAS!

How do I remember the order of operations?

Use the memory trick "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for PEMDAS. Or remember: multiplication and division first, then addition and subtraction from left to right.

Can I use a calculator for this?

Yes, but make sure your calculator follows order of operations! Most scientific calculators do this automatically. If using a basic calculator, you'll need to calculate step by step following PEMDAS.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Order of operations for beginners questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime