Solve Step-by-Step: 64 - 8 × 4 ÷ 2 Using Order of Operations

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

Mathematics has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that ensures everyone gets the same answer. If we solved left to right, $ 64 - 8 \times 4 \div 2 $ could have different results depending on how you read it!

Q: Do I multiply first or divide first when both are present?

When you have both multiplication and division, work left to right. In this problem: $ 8 \times 4 $ comes first (left), then $ \div 2 $ (right).

Q: How do I remember the order of operations?

Use PEMDAS: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt SallyParenthesesExponentsMultiplication and Division (left to right)Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Q: What if I get a different answer? How can I check my work?

Break it down step by step and check each calculation:Step 1: $ 8 \times 4 = 32 $Step 2: $ 32 \div 2 = 16 $Step 3: $ 64 - 16 = 48 $If any step is wrong, you'll get the wrong final answer!

Q: Why is 48 the correct answer and not 24 or 56?

Answer 24: This comes from incorrectly doing $ (64-8) \times 4 \div 2 $ - wrong order!Answer 56: This comes from doing $ 64 - 8 = 56 $ first - ignoring multiplication/division priority!Answer 48: Correct! Following PEMDAS properly.

Order of Operations with Mixed Arithmetic

What is the result of the following equation?

$64 - 8 \times 4 \div 2$

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Understand the problem

What is the result of the following equation?

$64 - 8 \times 4 \div 2$

Step-by-step solution

First, perform the multiplication: $8 \times 4 = 32$ .

Next, perform the division: $32 \div 2 = 16$

Finally, perform the subtraction: $64 - 16 = 48$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication and division before addition and subtraction
Technique: Work left to right: $8 \times 4 = 32$ , then $32 \div 2 = 16$
Check: Verify by working through each step: 64 - 16 = 48 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Computing operations from left to right without following order of operations
Don't calculate 64 - 8 = 56 first, then 56 × 4 ÷ 2 = 112! This ignores PEMDAS and gives completely wrong results. Always do multiplication and division before subtraction, working left to right within the same priority level.

Practice Quiz

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$8 + 3 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

Mathematics has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that ensures everyone gets the same answer. If we solved left to right, $64 - 8 \times 4 \div 2$ could have different results depending on how you read it!

Do I multiply first or divide first when both are present?

When you have both multiplication and division, work left to right. In this problem: $8 \times 4$ comes first (left), then $\div 2$ (right).

How do I remember the order of operations?

Use PEMDAS: 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? How can I check my work?

Break it down step by step and check each calculation:

Step 1: $8 \times 4 = 32$
Step 2: $32 \div 2 = 16$
Step 3: $64 - 16 = 48$

If any step is wrong, you'll get the wrong final answer!

Why is 48 the correct answer and not 24 or 56?

Answer 24: This comes from incorrectly doing $(64-8) \times 4 \div 2$ - wrong order!

Answer 56: This comes from doing $64 - 8 = 56$ first - ignoring multiplication/division priority!

Answer 48: Correct! Following PEMDAS properly.

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