Solve the Expression: 10-4÷2 Using Order of Operations

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

The order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) tells us which operations to do first, not just left to right. Division always comes before subtraction, even when subtraction appears first!

Q: How do I remember which operations come first?

Think of it as a hierarchy: Parentheses are strongest, then exponents, then multiplication/division (equal priority), then addition/subtraction (equal priority). Higher priority operations always go first!

Q: What if there were parentheses around 10-4?

Great question! If it was $ (10-4) ÷ 2 $, then you'd do the parentheses first: $ 6 ÷ 2 = 3 $. Parentheses always override the normal order!

Q: Is the answer really 8 and not 3?

Yes! Following PEMDAS correctly: $ 10 - 4 ÷ 2 = 10 - 2 = 8 $. You can verify this with a calculator that follows proper order of operations.

Order of Operations with Division First

$10-4 \div 2 =$

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Understand the problem

$10-4 \div 2 =$

Step-by-step solution

To solve $10-4 \div 2$ , we follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS): Parentheses or Brackets, Exponents or Orders, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

First, perform the division: $4 \div 2 = 2$ .

Next, substitute back into the expression: $10 - 2 = 8$ .

Therefore, the correct answer is $8$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Division comes before subtraction in order of operations
Technique: Calculate $4 ÷ 2 = 2$ first, then $10 - 2 = 8$
Check: Work left to right gives wrong answer: verify PEMDAS priority ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without considering operation priority
Don't calculate 10 - 4 = 6 first, then 6 ÷ 2 = 3! This ignores PEMDAS rules where division has higher priority than subtraction. Always perform division before subtraction regardless of position.

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?

The order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) tells us which operations to do first, not just left to right. Division always comes before subtraction, even when subtraction appears first!

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Remember: MD and AS are done together from left to right!

How do I remember which operations come first?

Think of it as a hierarchy: Parentheses are strongest, then exponents, then multiplication/division (equal priority), then addition/subtraction (equal priority). Higher priority operations always go first!

What if there were parentheses around 10-4?

Great question! If it was $(10-4) ÷ 2$ , then you'd do the parentheses first: $6 ÷ 2 = 3$ . Parentheses always override the normal order!

Is the answer really 8 and not 3?

Yes! Following PEMDAS correctly: $10 - 4 ÷ 2 = 10 - 2 = 8$ . You can verify this with a calculator that follows proper order of operations.

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