Solve the Expression: 9 - 4 × 1 + 2 Using Order of Operations

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

Mathematics has a specific order that everyone follows so we all get the same answer! Without PEMDAS, $ 2 + 3 \times 4 $ could equal either 14 or 20 depending on how you solve it.

Q: Is 4 × 1 really necessary to calculate?

Yes! Even though $ 4 \times 1 = 4 $ seems obvious, you must still identify and perform the multiplication step first. This builds good habits for harder problems like $ 9 - 4 \times 3 + 2 $.

Q: How do I remember to do multiplication first?

Look for multiplication and division symbols (×, ÷, *) in the expression first. Circle or highlight them, solve those parts, then work with addition and subtraction from left to right.

Q: What if I get a different answer?

Double-check your steps! The most common error is doing $ 9 - 4 = 5 $ first. Remember: multiplication always comes before subtraction, so start with $ 4 \times 1 = 4 $.

Order of Operations with Mixed Operations

$9 - 4 \times 1 + 2 =$

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Understand the problem

$9 - 4 \times 1 + 2 =$

Step-by-step solution

Perform the multiplication first: $4 \times 1 = 4$ .

Then, subtract the result from 9: $9 - 4 = 5$ .

Finally, add 2: $5 + 2 = 7$ .

Final Answer

$7$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Always perform multiplication before addition and subtraction
Step-by-Step: First calculate $4 \times 1 = 4$ , then work left to right
Verification: Check by substituting: $9 - 4 + 2 = 7$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following PEMDAS
Don't calculate 9 - 4 = 5 first, then 5 × 1 = 5, then 5 + 2 = 7 by accident! This ignores order of operations and can give wrong answers in more complex problems. Always identify and perform multiplication/division before addition/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 work from left to right like reading?

Mathematics has a specific order that everyone follows so we all get the same answer! Without PEMDAS, $2 + 3 \times 4$ could equal either 14 or 20 depending on how you solve it.

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Ssubtraction. Remember: multiplication and division have equal priority and work left to right, same with addition and subtraction!

Is 4 × 1 really necessary to calculate?

Yes! Even though $4 \times 1 = 4$ seems obvious, you must still identify and perform the multiplication step first. This builds good habits for harder problems like $9 - 4 \times 3 + 2$ .

How do I remember to do multiplication first?

Look for multiplication and division symbols (×, ÷, *) in the expression first. Circle or highlight them, solve those parts, then work with addition and subtraction from left to right.

What if I get a different answer?

Double-check your steps! The most common error is doing $9 - 4 = 5$ first. Remember: multiplication always comes before subtraction, so start with $4 \times 1 = 4$ .

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