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

$7 \times 2 - 3 + 1 =$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

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

$3 + 4 \times 2 =$

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.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Order of operations for beginners questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime