Solve the Expression: 8 ÷ 2 × 4 Using Order of Operations

Q: Why don't we multiply 2 × 4 first since multiplication comes before division in PEMDAS?

Great question! In PEMDAS, multiplication and division have equal priority. When operations have the same priority, you work left to right. So division comes first here only because it's on the left.

Q: What if the problem was written as 8 × 4 ÷ 2?

You'd still work left to right! First: $ 8 \times 4 = 32 $, then: $ 32 \div 2 = 16 $. Same answer because you're following the left-to-right rule.

Q: How can I remember to go left to right?

Think of it like reading! You read from left to right, so when operations have equal priority (like × and ÷), you solve them in the same order you'd read them.

Q: Are there any tricks to avoid this mistake?

Yes! When you see × and ÷ together, underline them in order from left to right. This helps you remember which operation to do first. You can also use parentheses: $ (8 \div 2) \times 4 $.

Division and Multiplication with Equal Precedence

$8 \div 2 \times 4 =$

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Understand the problem

$8 \div 2 \times 4 =$

Step-by-step solution

To solve $8 \div 2 \times 4$ , you need to follow the order of operations: first perform the division and then the multiplication.

Step 1: Divide 8 by 2: $8 \div 2 = 4$

Step 2: Multiply the result by 4: $4 \times 4 = 16$

So, the answer is $16$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Division and multiplication have equal priority in PEMDAS order
Technique: Work left to right: 8 ÷ 2 = 4, then 4 × 4 = 16
Check: Verify by doing operations in sequence: 8 ÷ 2 × 4 = 4 × 4 = 16 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Doing multiplication before division
Don't multiply 2 × 4 = 8 first, then divide 8 ÷ 8 = 1! This ignores left-to-right order and gives the wrong answer. Always work left to right when operations have equal precedence.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$8 + 3 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't we multiply 2 × 4 first since multiplication comes before division in PEMDAS?

Great question! In PEMDAS, multiplication and division have equal priority. When operations have the same priority, you work left to right. So division comes first here only because it's on the left.

What if the problem was written as 8 × 4 ÷ 2?

You'd still work left to right! First: $8 \times 4 = 32$ , then: $32 \div 2 = 16$ . Same answer because you're following the left-to-right rule.

How can I remember to go left to right?

Think of it like reading! You read from left to right, so when operations have equal priority (like × and ÷), you solve them in the same order you'd read them.

Are there any tricks to avoid this mistake?

Yes! When you see × and ÷ together, underline them in order from left to right. This helps you remember which operation to do first. You can also use parentheses: $(8 \div 2) \times 4$ .

What would happen if I used a calculator?

Most scientific calculators follow the correct order of operations automatically. But basic calculators might not! Always double-check by doing the steps manually or using parentheses: (8 ÷ 2) × 4.

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