Solve the Expression: 5 × 2 + 1 Using Order of Operations

Q: Why can't I just solve from left to right?

Mathematics has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that everyone follows. Without it, the same expression could have different answers! Always do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction.

Q: What if there were parentheses around 2 + 1?

Great question! If it was $ 5 \times (2 + 1) $, then you'd calculate inside the parentheses first: $ 2 + 1 = 3 $, then $ 5 \times 3 = 15 $.

Q: How can I remember to do multiplication first?

Think of PEMDAS as a priority list! Multiplication has higher priority than addition. You can also use the memory trick: My Dear (Multiplication/Division) comes before Aunt Sally (Addition/Subtraction).

Order of Operations with Mixed Operations

$5 \times 2 + 1 =$

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Understand the problem

$5 \times 2 + 1 =$

Step-by-step solution

First, perform the multiplication operation:

$5 \times 2 = 10$

Then add 1 to the result:

$10 + 1 = 11$

Therefore, the correct answer is:

$11$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication comes before addition in order of operations
Technique: Calculate $5 \times 2 = 10$ first, then add 1
Check: Verify $5 \times 2 + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding before multiplying
Don't calculate 2 + 1 = 3 first, then multiply by 5 = 15! This ignores the order of operations and gives the wrong answer. Always follow PEMDAS: multiplication before addition.

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 solve from left to right?

Mathematics has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that everyone follows. Without it, the same expression could have different answers! Always do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction.

What does PEMDAS stand for?

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

What if there were parentheses around 2 + 1?

Great question! If it was $5 \times (2 + 1)$ , then you'd calculate inside the parentheses first: $2 + 1 = 3$ , then $5 \times 3 = 15$ .

How can I remember to do multiplication first?

Think of PEMDAS as a priority list! Multiplication has higher priority than addition. You can also use the memory trick: My Dear (Multiplication/Division) comes before Aunt Sally (Addition/Subtraction).

Does the order really matter for such a simple problem?

Absolutely! Even simple problems follow the same rules. Getting $5 \times 2 + 1 = 11$ instead of 15 shows you understand mathematical conventions that apply to all expressions.

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