Solve the Expression: 7 × 2 - 3 + 1 Using Order of Operations

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

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). This ensures everyone gets the same answer! Without this order, $ 7 \times 2 - 3 + 1 $ could have multiple answers.

Q: Do I always do multiplication before subtraction?

Yes! Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. In $ 7 \times 2 - 3 + 1 $, you must calculate $ 7 \times 2 = 14 $ first, then work left to right with subtraction and addition.

Q: How can I remember to follow the correct order?

Use the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for PEMDAS. Also, practice identifying the operations first: circle multiplication and division, then work through addition and subtraction left to right.

Order of Operations with Mixed Calculations

$7 \times 2 - 3 + 1 =$

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Understand the problem

$7 \times 2 - 3 + 1 =$

Step-by-step solution

Multiply first: $7 \times 2 = 14$ .

Subtract 3: $14 - 3 = 11$ .

Add 1: $11 + 1 = 12$ .

Final Answer

$12$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction operations
Technique: Calculate $7 \times 2 = 14$ first, then work left to right
Check: Verify each step: 14 - 3 = 11, then 11 + 1 = 12 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without considering operation priority
Don't calculate 7 × 2 - 3 + 1 as (7 × 2 - 3) + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9! This ignores PEMDAS and gives the wrong answer. Always do multiplication first, then work left to right for addition and subtraction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the result of the following equation?

$36-4\div2$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). This ensures everyone gets the same answer! Without this order, $7 \times 2 - 3 + 1$ could have multiple answers.

What does PEMDAS stand for exactly?

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

Do I always do multiplication before subtraction?

Yes! Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. In $7 \times 2 - 3 + 1$ , you must calculate $7 \times 2 = 14$ first, then work left to right with subtraction and addition.

How can I remember to follow the correct order?

Use the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for PEMDAS. Also, practice identifying the operations first: circle multiplication and division, then work through addition and subtraction left to right.

What if I get a different answer than 12?

Double-check your steps! The most common error is calculating $7 \times 2 - 3 = 11$ first instead of $7 \times 2 = 14$ . Remember: multiplication always comes before subtraction.

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