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Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Calculator

PEMDAS Rules:

  1. Parentheses first
  2. Exponents (powers and roots)
  3. Multiplication and Division (left to right)
  4. Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

e.g. 3*(5+2)-8/2^2

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1. What is PEMDAS?

PEMDAS is an acronym that stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). It defines the order in which operations should be performed in a mathematical expression to ensure consistent results.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator follows the standard order of operations:

  1. Parentheses first - expressions inside parentheses are evaluated first
  2. Exponents (powers and roots) next
  3. Multiplication and Division from left to right
  4. Addition and Subtraction from left to right

Example: For the expression 3 + 5 × 2:

3. Importance of Order of Operations

Details: Following the correct order of operations is essential for obtaining accurate results in mathematics. Different orders can produce completely different results, leading to errors in calculations, programming, engineering, and scientific work.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any valid mathematical expression using:

The calculator will evaluate the expression according to PEMDAS rules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is PEMDAS important?
A: It ensures mathematical expressions are evaluated consistently worldwide. Without standard rules, the same expression could yield different results.

Q2: What about expressions with the same precedence?
A: Operators with the same precedence (like multiplication and division) are evaluated left to right.

Q3: How does the calculator handle exponents?
A: Use the caret symbol (^), like 2^3 for 2 to the power of 3 (which equals 8).

Q4: Can I use decimals and negative numbers?
A: Yes, the calculator supports decimal numbers and negative values (use parentheses for clarity, like (-5)).

Q5: What if I get an error message?
A: Check for unmatched parentheses, invalid characters, or division by zero in your expression.

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