Solve the Expression: 2 + 5 × 3 Using Order of Operations

Q: Why can't I just work 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. Working left-to-right would give different results for the same problem.

Q: What if there were parentheses around 2 + 5?

If you had $ (2 + 5) \times 3 $, then you would calculate the addition first! Parentheses always come first in PEMDAS, so you'd get $ 7 \times 3 = 21 $.

Q: How can I remember to do multiplication first?

Look for the multiplication symbol (× or *) and circle it first! Then do that calculation before moving to addition or subtraction. Practice identifying operations in order!

Q: Does it matter that the 2 comes before the multiplication?

Position doesn't matter - operation type does! Even if addition comes first when reading left-to-right, multiplication has higher priority in the order of operations.

Order of Operations with Mixed Arithmetic

$2 + 5 \times 3 =$

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Understand the problem

$2 + 5 \times 3 =$

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, multiplication should be performed before addition. So, first calculate the multiplication:

$5 \times 3 = 15$

Then add 2 to the result:

$2 + 15 = 17$

Therefore, the correct answer is:

$17$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication comes before addition in order of operations
Technique: Calculate $5 \times 3 = 15$ first, then add 2
Check: Verify by working left-to-right incorrectly gives 21, not 17 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following PEMDAS
Don't calculate 2 + 5 = 7 first, then multiply by 3 = 21! This ignores the order of operations and gives the wrong answer. Always identify and perform multiplication before addition, regardless of position.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$3 + 4 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

Mathematics has specific rules that are different from reading! The order of operations (PEMDAS) ensures everyone gets the same answer. Working left-to-right would give different results for the same problem.

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Ssubtraction (left to right). Remember: "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!"

What if there were parentheses around 2 + 5?

If you had $(2 + 5) \times 3$ , then you would calculate the addition first! Parentheses always come first in PEMDAS, so you'd get $7 \times 3 = 21$ .

How can I remember to do multiplication first?

Look for the multiplication symbol (× or *) and circle it first! Then do that calculation before moving to addition or subtraction. Practice identifying operations in order!

Does it matter that the 2 comes before the multiplication?

Position doesn't matter - operation type does! Even if addition comes first when reading left-to-right, multiplication has higher priority in the order of operations.

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