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

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

Math has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that everyone follows. Without this order, $ 9 \times 2 - 4 $ could have different answers! Following PEMDAS ensures everyone gets the same correct result.

Q: How do I remember the order of operations?

Use the acronym PEMDAS: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt SallyParentheses firstExponents nextMultiplication and Division (left to right)Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Q: What happens if I have multiple multiplications?

When you have several multiplications or divisions, work from left to right. For example, in $ 6 \times 3 \times 2 $, calculate $ 6 \times 3 = 18 $ first, then $ 18 \times 2 = 36 $.

Q: Can I use parentheses to change the order?

Yes! Parentheses override the normal order. $ 9 \times (2 - 4) = 9 \times (-2) = -18 $ gives a completely different answer than $ 9 \times 2 - 4 = 14 $.

Order of Operations with Mixed Calculations

$9 \times 2 - 4 =$

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Understand the problem

$9 \times 2 - 4 =$

Step-by-step solution

First perform the multiplication:

$9 \times 2 = 18$

Then subtract 4:

$18 - 4 = 14$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Always perform multiplication before subtraction in expressions
Technique: Calculate 9 × 2 = 18 first, then subtract 4
Check: Verify answer by working backwards: 14 + 4 = 18 ÷ 9 = 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following order of operations
Don't solve 9 × 2 - 4 by doing 9 × 2 = 18, then 18 - 4 sequentially without checking priorities = confusion about which operation comes first! This ignores PEMDAS rules and can lead to wrong answers in more complex problems. Always identify multiplication and division first, complete those operations, then handle addition and subtraction from left to right.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$8 + 3 \times 2 =$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

Math has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that everyone follows. Without this order, $9 \times 2 - 4$ could have different answers! Following PEMDAS ensures everyone gets the same correct result.

What if I forgot to multiply first?

If you calculated left to right and got 10, you subtracted first! Remember: Multiplication always comes before subtraction in PEMDAS. Practice identifying the operations before calculating.

How do I remember the order of operations?

Use the acronym PEMDAS: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

Parentheses first
Exponents next
Multiplication and Division (left to right)
Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

What happens if I have multiple multiplications?

When you have several multiplications or divisions, work from left to right. For example, in $6 \times 3 \times 2$ , calculate $6 \times 3 = 18$ first, then $18 \times 2 = 36$ .

Can I use parentheses to change the order?

Yes! Parentheses override the normal order. $9 \times (2 - 4) = 9 \times (-2) = -18$ gives a completely different answer than $9 \times 2 - 4 = 14$ .

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