Order of Operations

Order of Operations

Basic

Evaluate 2 + 3 × 4 by following PEMDAS: multiply first (3 × 4 = 12), then add (2 + 12 = 14). The answer is 14, not 20.

Example

Evaluate 2 + 3 x 4 by multiplying before adding. The order of operations is a shared convention so every reader gets the same answer from one expression. Multiplication binds more tightly than addition, so we resolve it first; treating the product as a single quantity before combining it keeps the meaning of the expression unambiguous.

highlighted = computed this step

Step 1 — Set up

Write the expression to solve.

2+3×42 + 3 \times 4
Look for multiplication before addition2+3x4

Step 2 — Multiply first

Multiply before adding: 3 x 4 = 12.

2+122 + \hl{12}
Do 3 x 4 first2+3x43 x 4 = 12

Step 3 — Add

Then add: 2 + 12 = 14.

14\hl{14}
Now add 2 + 122+3x43 x 4 = 122 + 12 = 14

Step 4 — Result

Read the final answer.

1414
Final answer is 142+3x43 x 4 = 122 + 12 = 14
pemdas-basic When an expression has both addition and multiplication, multiply before you add. The acronym PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), then Addition and Subtraction (left to right).