Solve the Expression: 6:2+9-4 Using Order of Operations

Q: Why does division come before addition even though addition appears first when reading left to right?

The order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) tells us the sequence to follow, not the order things appear! Division and multiplication always come before addition and subtraction, regardless of position.

Q: What does the colon (:) symbol mean in math?

The colon (:) is another way to write division, just like the ÷ symbol. So $ 6:2 $ means the same as $ 6 ÷ 2 $ or $ \frac{6}{2} $.

Q: Should I use parentheses to help me solve this?

Absolutely! Adding parentheses like $ (6:2) + 9 - 4 $ helps you see which operation to do first. It's a great strategy to avoid mistakes!

Q: What if I get confused about which operations to do first?

Remember PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Write it down if it helps!

Q: How do I check if my answer of 8 is correct?

Work through each step: $ 6:2 = 3 $, then $ 3 + 9 = 12 $, finally $ 12 - 4 = 8 $. You can also use a calculator to verify!

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Always solve multiplication and division before addition and subtraction

00:12 Let's use the commutative property and solve this operation first

00:16 Let's continue solving

00:19 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$6:2+9-4=$

2

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we first solve the division exercise, and then the subtraction:

$(6:2)+9-4=$

$6:2=3$

Now we place the subtraction exercise in parentheses:

$3+(9-4)=$

$3+5=8$

3

Final Answer

$8$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Division comes before addition and subtraction in PEMDAS
Technique: Calculate $6:2 = 3$ first, then work left to right
Check: Verify by substituting: $3 + 9 - 4 = 8$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without considering division priority
Don't solve $6:2+9-4$ as $(6:2+9)-4 = (3+9)-4 = 8$ by grouping incorrectly! This ignores that division must come first. Always identify and complete division operations before moving to addition and subtraction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 94+12+6= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does division come before addition even though addition appears first when reading left to right?

+

The order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) tells us the sequence to follow, not the order things appear! Division and multiplication always come before addition and subtraction, regardless of position.

What does the colon (:) symbol mean in math?

+

The colon (:) is another way to write division, just like the ÷ symbol. So $6:2$ means the same as $6 ÷ 2$ or $\frac{6}{2}$ .

Should I use parentheses to help me solve this?

+

Absolutely! Adding parentheses like $(6:2) + 9 - 4$ helps you see which operation to do first. It's a great strategy to avoid mistakes!

What if I get confused about which operations to do first?

+

Remember PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Write it down if it helps!

How do I check if my answer of 8 is correct?

+

Work through each step: $6:2 = 3$ , then $3 + 9 = 12$ , finally $12 - 4 = 8$ . You can also use a calculator to verify!

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Solve the Expression: 6:2+9-4 Using Order of Operations

Order of Operations with Division Symbols

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