Why Order Matters in Calculator Math
Published on January 1, 2025
Order’s everything on a four-function calculator—it doesn’t think for you. Take 4 + 5 × 3. Multiply first: 5 × 3 = 15, then 4 + 15 = 19. Wrong way? 4 + 5 × 3 = 27. Clear with “C” each time. Try 12 - 3 × 2: 3 × 2 = 6, then 12 - 6 = 6—not 18. Division’s no different: 15 ÷ 3 + 2, do 15 ÷ 3 = 5, then 5 + 2 = 7. No PEMDAS here—you decide the steps. Practice: 6 × 4 - 5 = 19 (24 - 5), not 14. Real stuff? $20 + $5 × 2 = 30 (10, then 20), not 50. Chain it right: 10 × 2 ÷ 5 = 4 (20, then 4). Mistakes come from guessing—slow down, plan it. Estimate helps—4 + 5 × 3 ≈ 20. Master this, and you’re golden. Our online calculator’s free—get the order right now!