Understanding BIDMAS

BIDMAS is a fundamental concept in mathematics that guides the order of operations in complex calculations. This page introduces the BIDMAS acronym and provides BIDMAS examples to illustrate its application.

Definition: BIDMAS stands for Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction, indicating the order in which mathematical operations should be performed.

The page begins by explaining that BIDMAS is used to determine the correct sequence for solving equations with multiple operations. It then breaks down the acronym, listing each component in order.

Example: The page provides a clear BIDMAS example with the equation 2 + 3 x 6. It demonstrates how to solve this step-by-step:

1. First, perform the multiplication: 3 x 6 = 18
2. Then, add: 2 + 18 = 20

This example effectively illustrates why order matters in calculations, as solving from left to right would yield an incorrect result of 30.

Highlight: The page emphasizes the importance of following the BIDMAS order to avoid common calculation errors.

Two more examples are provided to reinforce understanding:

1. 4 + 2 x 3² This example introduces indices in BIDMAS, showing how to handle exponents before other operations.

2. 60 - (4² + 2 x 5) This more complex example demonstrates how to apply BIDMAS with brackets and multiple operations.

These examples serve as excellent practice for students working on BIDMAS worksheets or preparing for BIDMAS GCSE questions.