Solve the Expression: 11 - 2 + 4 × 2 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 ensures everyone gets the same answer! Without it, $ 2 + 3 \times 4 $ could equal 20 or 14.

Q: Do I always do multiplication before addition?

Yes, always! Even if the addition comes first in the expression like $ 5 + 2 \times 3 $, you still multiply first to get $ 5 + 6 = 11 $.

Q: How can I remember to check my work?

Try the "backwards check": Start with your answer and see if you can work backwards through each step. If $ 17 - 8 = 9 $ and $ 9 + 2 = 11 $, you're right!

Order of Operations with Mixed Addition

$11 - 2 + 4 \times 2 =$

❤️ 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

$11 - 2 + 4 \times 2 =$

Step-by-step solution

Start with the multiplication: $4 \times 2 = 8$ .

Add this to the initial subtraction: $11 - 2 = 9$ .

Then finish with: $9 + 8 = 17$ .

Final Answer

$17$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Always multiply before adding or subtracting
Technique: Calculate $4 \times 2 = 8$ first, then work left to right
Check: Final answer should be $11 - 2 + 8 = 17$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working strictly left to right without considering multiplication first
Don't calculate 11 - 2 + 4 × 2 as (11 - 2 + 4) × 2 = 26! This ignores the order of operations and gives the wrong answer. Always do multiplication before addition and subtraction, regardless of position in the expression.

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 ensures everyone gets the same answer! Without it, $2 + 3 \times 4$ could equal 20 or 14.

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Some people remember it as Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!

Do I always do multiplication before addition?

Yes, always! Even if the addition comes first in the expression like $5 + 2 \times 3$ , you still multiply first to get $5 + 6 = 11$ .

What if I have multiple additions and subtractions?

After handling multiplication and division, work through addition and subtraction from left to right. So $11 - 2 + 8$ becomes $9 + 8 = 17$ .

How can I remember to check my work?

Try the "backwards check": Start with your answer and see if you can work backwards through each step. If $17 - 8 = 9$ and $9 + 2 = 11$ , you're right!

🌟 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