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

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 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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