Solve the Expression: 36-4÷2 Using Order of Operations

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

Mathematical expressions have a specific order that must be followed! Just like punctuation rules in writing, PEMDAS ensures everyone gets the same answer. Working left to right would give different results for the same problem.

Q: Why is the answer 34 and not 16?

Because we must do $ 4 \div 2 = 2 $ first, then $ 36 - 2 = 34 $. If you got 16, you probably calculated $ 36 - 4 = 32 $ first, then divided by 2, which breaks PEMDAS.

Q: How can I remember to follow PEMDAS?

Circle or underline the highest priority operation first! In $ 36 - 4 \div 2 $, circle the division, solve it, then rewrite the expression as $ 36 - 2 $ before continuing.

Q: What if I have multiple divisions or subtractions?

When operations have the same priority level (like multiple divisions), work from left to right. For example: $ 12 \div 3 \div 2 = 4 \div 2 = 2 $

Order of Operations with Mixed Operations

What is the result of the following equation?

$36-4\div2$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Let's solve this mathematical expression together.

00:09 To solve this correctly, we'll follow the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS.

00:15 Remember, we always do multiplication and division first, before we handle addition and subtraction.

00:22 First, let's focus on 4 divided by 2, and then we'll work from left to right to complete the problem.

00:28 Now, let me show you the solution step by step.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

What is the result of the following equation?

$36-4\div2$

Step-by-step solution

The given equation is $36 - 4 \div 2$ . To solve this, we must follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

Step 1: Division

Identify the division operation in the equation: $4 \div 2$ .
Perform the division: $4 \div 2 = 2$ .

Now the equation becomes: $36 - 2$ .

Step 2: Subtraction

Perform the subtraction: $36 - 2 = 34$ .

Therefore, the result of the equation $36 - 4 \div 2$ is $34$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Division comes before subtraction in order of operations
Technique: First calculate $4 \div 2 = 2$ , then subtract from 36
Check: Work left to right respecting PEMDAS: 36 - 2 = 34 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following PEMDAS
Don't calculate 36 - 4 = 32 first, then divide by 2 = 16! This ignores order of operations and gives the wrong answer. Always do division before subtraction according to PEMDAS.

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?

Mathematical expressions have a specific order that must be followed! Just like punctuation rules in writing, 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 Subtraction (left to right). Remember: "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"

Why is the answer 34 and not 16?

Because we must do $4 \div 2 = 2$ first, then $36 - 2 = 34$ . If you got 16, you probably calculated $36 - 4 = 32$ first, then divided by 2, which breaks PEMDAS.

How can I remember to follow PEMDAS?

Circle or underline the highest priority operation first! In $36 - 4 \div 2$ , circle the division, solve it, then rewrite the expression as $36 - 2$ before continuing.

What if I have multiple divisions or subtractions?

When operations have the same priority level (like multiple divisions), work from left to right. For example: $12 \div 3 \div 2 = 4 \div 2 = 2$

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Solve the Expression: 36-4÷2 Using Order of Operations

Order of Operations with Mixed Operations

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

Step-by-step video solution

Step-by-step written solution

Understand the problem

Step-by-step solution

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Common Mistakes

Practice Quiz

FAQ

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

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

Why is the answer 34 and not 16?

How can I remember to follow PEMDAS?

What if I have multiple divisions or subtractions?

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

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