Solve the Expression: 1+2×3-7÷4 Using Order of Operations

Math has special rules called Order of Operations (PEMDAS) that tell us which calculations to do first. Working left to right would give us the wrong answer because multiplication and division must be done before addition and subtraction.

Convert the whole number to an improper fraction with the same denominator! For example: $7 - \frac{7}{4} = \frac{28}{4} - \frac{7}{4} = \frac{21}{4} = 5\frac{1}{4}$

The colon (:) is another way to write division, just like the ÷ symbol. So $7:4$ means the same as $7÷4$ or $\frac{7}{4}$.

You can use decimals, but fractions are often more accurate! $\frac{7}{4} = 1.75$, so the answer would be $1 + 6 - 1.75 = 5.25 = 5\frac{1}{4}$

You don't need to write parentheses, but thinking about them helps! Imagine parentheses around multiplication and division: $1 + (2×3) - (7÷4)$ to remember which operations to do first.

Double-check your work step by step! Make sure you did $2×3=6$ and $7÷4=1\frac{3}{4}$ correctly, then $1+6-1\frac{3}{4}=5\frac{1}{4}$