Solve 3 + 4 × 2: Order of Operations Practice

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

Mathematics has special rules called order of operations (PEMDAS)! Unlike reading, we must do multiplication and division first, then addition and subtraction. This ensures everyone gets the same answer.

Q: What if there are no parentheses in the problem?

No problem! Just skip to the next step in PEMDAS. In $ 3 + 4 \times 2 $, we skip parentheses and exponents, then do the multiplication first.

Q: How can I remember to do multiplication first?

Think of multiplication as grouping! $ 4 \times 2 $ means "4 groups of 2" which must be calculated as one unit before adding to anything else.

Q: What if I get a different answer than 11?

Double-check your steps! The most common mistake is doing $ 3 + 4 = 7 $ first. Remember: multiplication always comes before addition, so $ 4 \times 2 = 8 $, then $ 3 + 8 = 11 $.

Order of Operations with Mixed Calculations

$3 + 4 \times 2 =$

❤️ 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

$3 + 4 \times 2 =$

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, you should first calculate the multiplication, then the addition:

$4 \times 2 = 8$

Then add the result to 3:

$3 + 8 = 11$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication before addition, always follow this sequence
Technique: Calculate $4 \times 2 = 8$ first, then add 3
Check: Verify $3 + 8 = 11$ matches your final answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding from left to right without considering operation priority
Don't calculate 3 + 4 = 7 first, then multiply by 2 = 14! This ignores order of operations and gives the wrong answer. Always do multiplication before addition, so 4 × 2 = 8, then 3 + 8 = 11.

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 solve from left to right like reading?

Mathematics has special rules called order of operations (PEMDAS)! Unlike reading, we must do multiplication and division first, then addition and subtraction. This ensures everyone gets the same answer.

What does PEMDAS stand for?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Remember: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!

What if there are no parentheses in the problem?

No problem! Just skip to the next step in PEMDAS. In $3 + 4 \times 2$ , we skip parentheses and exponents, then do the multiplication first.

How can I remember to do multiplication first?

Think of multiplication as grouping! $4 \times 2$ means "4 groups of 2" which must be calculated as one unit before adding to anything else.

What if I get a different answer than 11?

Double-check your steps! The most common mistake is doing $3 + 4 = 7$ first. Remember: multiplication always comes before addition, so $4 \times 2 = 8$ , then $3 + 8 = 11$ .

🌟 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