Solve the Expression: 6 × 2 - 4 Using Order of Operations

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

You can work left to right for this problem since multiplication comes first anyway! But in expressions like $ 6 + 2 \times 4 $, you'd get the wrong answer. Always follow PEMDAS to be safe.

Q: What if there were parentheses around 2 - 4?

Then you'd solve $ 6 \times (2 - 4) $ by doing the parentheses first: $ 2 - 4 = -2 $, then $ 6 \times (-2) = -12 $. Parentheses always come first!

Q: How do I remember which operations come first?

Use the acronym PEMDAS or the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally." Practice with simple problems until it becomes automatic. Multiplication and division have the same priority, as do addition and subtraction.

Q: Can I get a negative answer with order of operations?

Absolutely! If you had $ 2 \times 3 - 10 $, you'd get $ 6 - 10 = -4 $. Negative answers are perfectly normal in math!

Order of Operations with Mixed Arithmetic

$6 \times 2 - 4 =$

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Understand the problem

$6 \times 2 - 4 =$

Step-by-step solution

First, perform the multiplication operation:

$6 \times 2 = 12$

Then subtract 4 from the result:

$12 - 4 = 8$

Therefore, the correct answer is:

$8$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication comes before subtraction in order of operations
Technique: First calculate $6 \times 2 = 12$ , then subtract 4
Check: Verify by working left to right: 12 - 4 = 8 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working strictly left to right without considering operation priority
Don't solve 6 × 2 - 4 as (6 × 2) - 4 = 12 - 4 = 8... wait, that's actually correct! The common mistake is doing 6 × (2 - 4) = 6 × (-2) = -12! This ignores order of operations. Always do multiplication before subtraction unless parentheses say otherwise.

Practice Quiz

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$3 + 4 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

You can work left to right for this problem since multiplication comes first anyway! But in expressions like $6 + 2 \times 4$ , you'd get the wrong answer. Always follow PEMDAS to be safe.

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

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

What if there were parentheses around 2 - 4?

Then you'd solve $6 \times (2 - 4)$ by doing the parentheses first: $2 - 4 = -2$ , then $6 \times (-2) = -12$ . Parentheses always come first!

How do I remember which operations come first?

Use the acronym PEMDAS or the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally." Practice with simple problems until it becomes automatic. Multiplication and division have the same priority, as do addition and subtraction.

Can I get a negative answer with order of operations?

Absolutely! If you had $2 \times 3 - 10$ , you'd get $6 - 10 = -4$ . Negative answers are perfectly normal in math!

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