Solve the Expression: 6 + 2 × 3 - 7 Using Order of Operations

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

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a universal math rule! Multiplication always comes before addition and subtraction, no matter where it appears in the expression.

Q: What if I got 17 as my answer?

You likely calculated $ 6 + 2 = 8 $ first, then $ 8 \times 3 = 24 $, then $ 24 - 7 = 17 $. Remember: multiplication always comes first!

Q: How can I remember the correct order?

Use the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" and practice identifying the operation that should be done first in each problem.

Order of Operations with Mixed Arithmetic

$6 + 2 \times 3 - 7 =$

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Understand the problem

$6 + 2 \times 3 - 7 =$

Step-by-step solution

Start by multiplying: $2 \times 3 = 6$ .

Add this result to 6: $6 + 6 = 12$ .

Finally, subtract 7: $12 - 7 = 5$ .

Final Answer

$5$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Always multiply before adding or subtracting (PEMDAS)
Technique: Calculate $2 \times 3 = 6$ first, then work left to right
Check: Verify each step: 6 + 6 - 7 = 12 - 7 = 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding and subtracting from left to right first
Don't calculate 6 + 2 = 8 first = wrong answer of 17! This ignores multiplication priority and creates major errors. Always multiply 2 × 3 = 6 before any addition or subtraction.

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?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a universal math rule! Multiplication always comes before addition and subtraction, no matter where it appears in the expression.

What does PEMDAS stand for?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Remember: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!

What if I got 17 as my answer?

You likely calculated $6 + 2 = 8$ first, then $8 \times 3 = 24$ , then $24 - 7 = 17$ . Remember: multiplication always comes first!

How can I remember the correct order?

Use the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" and practice identifying the operation that should be done first in each problem.

What if there are no parentheses?

No problem! When there are no parentheses or exponents, just focus on doing multiplication and division first, then addition and subtraction from left to right.

Can I use a calculator for this?

Yes, but make sure your calculator follows order of operations automatically! Most scientific calculators do, but basic calculators might not. Always double-check your work.

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