Solve 3+4-5×4: Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Challenge

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

Mathematics has specific rules that are different from reading! The order of operations (PEMDAS) ensures everyone gets the same answer. Multiplication always comes before addition and subtraction.

Q: How do I remember to multiply first?

Try this memory trick: "My Dear Aunt Sally" for MDAS (the last part of PEMDAS). Multiplication and Division always come before Addition and Subtraction!

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's solve this math problem together!

00:09 Remember, always do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction.

00:16 We'll handle each step separately. Solve each part, and then move on.

00:21 And there you have it! That's the solution to our problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$3+4-5\times4=$

2

Step-by-step solution

According to the rules regarding the order of arithmetic operations, we first solve the multiplication exercise:

$5\times4=20$

We obtain the following exercise:

$3+4-20=$

We then solve the exercise from left to right:

$3+4=7$

$7-20=-13$

3

Final Answer

13-

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiply before adding or subtracting operations
Technique: Calculate 5×4 = 20 first, then 3+4-20
Check: Final answer -13 makes sense since 7-20 = -13 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following PEMDAS
Don't solve 3+4-5×4 as (3+4-5)×4 = 8 = wrong answer 32! This ignores multiplication priority and gives completely wrong results. Always multiply first, then work left to right for addition and subtraction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 94+12+6= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

+

Mathematics has specific rules that are different from reading! The order of operations (PEMDAS) ensures everyone gets the same answer. Multiplication always comes before addition and subtraction.

What does PEMDAS stand for?

+

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Ssubtraction (left to right). Think of it as the mathematical rulebook!

Is it normal to get a negative answer?

+

Yes! Negative answers are completely normal in math. In this problem, we subtract 20 from 7, so getting -13 makes perfect sense. Don't worry about negative results.

How do I remember to multiply first?

+

Try this memory trick: "My Dear Aunt Sally" for MDAS (the last part of PEMDAS). Multiplication and Division always come before Addition and Subtraction!

What if there were parentheses in this problem?

+

Parentheses would change everything! You'd solve inside the parentheses first. For example: $(3+4)-5\times4 = 7-20 = -13$ , but $3+(4-5)\times4 = 3+(-4) = -1$ .

Why is the correct answer -13 and not 13?

+

Because we subtract a larger number from a smaller one! When you calculate 7 - 20, you're taking away 20 from 7, which gives you -13. Pay attention to the sign!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties 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

Solve 3+4-5×4: Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Challenge

Order of Operations with Negative Results

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!