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23 Dec 2025
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Understanding BIDMAS/BODMAS: The Order of Operations Explained
micah
@msav.ymm
1 / 9
The Order of Operations
BIDMAS and BODMAS are two names for the same thing - they're your roadmap for solving tricky maths problems correctly. Think of them as the "highway code" for mathematics that everyone follows to get the same answer.
The letters stand for the order you should tackle different parts of a calculation. B means Brackets, I or O means Indices/Orders, D is Division, M is Multiplication, A is Addition, and S is Subtraction.
Quick Tip: Remember BIDMAS with "Big Ideas Don't Mean Anything Sometimes" or BODMAS with "Big Old Dogs Make Awful Smells"!
Brackets Come First
Brackets are your number one priority - always sort out what's inside them before doing anything else. They're like VIP guests that get served first at a restaurant.
Take 2×(2+8) as an example. You can't just work left to right here. First, you solve what's in the brackets: 2+8 = 10. Then you multiply: 2×10 = 20.
If you ignored the brackets and did 2×2 first, you'd get a completely wrong answer. That's why brackets are so important!
Remember: Brackets are like instructions saying "do me first!" - never ignore them.
Indices, Orders, and Powers
Indices (or Orders) are things like square numbers, cubed numbers, and square roots. These little superscript numbers pack a punch and need sorting out early.
For 3²+5, you don't multiply 3×2. Instead, 3² means 3×3 = 9. Then you add 5 to get 14.
Powers and roots might look small, but they have huge effects on your final answer. Miss them and you'll be miles off!
Watch Out: 3² means "3 times itself" (3×3), not "3 times 2" - this trips loads of people up!
Division and Multiplication
Division and multiplication work as a team - they're at the same level of importance and you work through them from left to right.
Let's try (3×5)÷15. The brackets tell you to do 3×5 = 15 first. Then you divide: 15÷15 = 1.
When you see both multiplication and division in the same problem, just work from left to right. Don't automatically do all multiplication before division - they're equal partners!
Pro Tip: Division and multiplication are like dance partners - they move together from left to right across your calculation.
Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction are the final pair, and like division and multiplication, you handle them from left to right when they appear together.
For 6+7-8, you work left to right: first 6+7 = 13, then 13-8 = 5. Don't do all additions before subtractions - treat them as equals.
These operations might seem simple, but getting their order wrong can still mess up your whole answer. Every step in BIDMAS matters!
Key Point: Addition and subtraction work as a team too - always go from left to right when you see them together.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding BIDMAS/BODMAS: The Order of Operations Explained
micah
@msav.ymm
Ever wondered why your calculator gives a different answer than you do for the same sum? It's all about following the right order when doing maths operations. BIDMAS (or BODMAS) is like a set of rules that tells you exactly... Show more
The Order of Operations
BIDMAS and BODMAS are two names for the same thing - they're your roadmap for solving tricky maths problems correctly. Think of them as the "highway code" for mathematics that everyone follows to get the same answer.
The letters stand for the order you should tackle different parts of a calculation. B means Brackets, I or O means Indices/Orders, D is Division, M is Multiplication, A is Addition, and S is Subtraction.
Quick Tip: Remember BIDMAS with "Big Ideas Don't Mean Anything Sometimes" or BODMAS with "Big Old Dogs Make Awful Smells"!
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Brackets Come First
Brackets are your number one priority - always sort out what's inside them before doing anything else. They're like VIP guests that get served first at a restaurant.
Take 2×(2+8) as an example. You can't just work left to right here. First, you solve what's in the brackets: 2+8 = 10. Then you multiply: 2×10 = 20.
If you ignored the brackets and did 2×2 first, you'd get a completely wrong answer. That's why brackets are so important!
Remember: Brackets are like instructions saying "do me first!" - never ignore them.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Indices, Orders, and Powers
Indices (or Orders) are things like square numbers, cubed numbers, and square roots. These little superscript numbers pack a punch and need sorting out early.
For 3²+5, you don't multiply 3×2. Instead, 3² means 3×3 = 9. Then you add 5 to get 14.
Powers and roots might look small, but they have huge effects on your final answer. Miss them and you'll be miles off!
Watch Out: 3² means "3 times itself" (3×3), not "3 times 2" - this trips loads of people up!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Division and Multiplication
Division and multiplication work as a team - they're at the same level of importance and you work through them from left to right.
Let's try (3×5)÷15. The brackets tell you to do 3×5 = 15 first. Then you divide: 15÷15 = 1.
When you see both multiplication and division in the same problem, just work from left to right. Don't automatically do all multiplication before division - they're equal partners!
Pro Tip: Division and multiplication are like dance partners - they move together from left to right across your calculation.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction are the final pair, and like division and multiplication, you handle them from left to right when they appear together.
For 6+7-8, you work left to right: first 6+7 = 13, then 13-8 = 5. Don't do all additions before subtractions - treat them as equals.
These operations might seem simple, but getting their order wrong can still mess up your whole answer. Every step in BIDMAS matters!
Key Point: Addition and subtraction work as a team too - always go from left to right when you see them together.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user