When a calculation mixes operations, the order is fixed and it is not left to right. Work out anything inside **brackets** first. Then do all the **multiplication and division**, taking those left to right. Only then do the **addition and subtraction**, again left to right. Left to right settles a tie between two operations of the same rank — it never lets a plus jump ahead of a times. The same rule runs the multi-step word problems: 'bought this many, gave some away, shared the rest equally' is one number sentence with brackets around the part that has to happen first.
Sign up free to see the worked example
A free parent account opens every Learn lesson, with worked examples, plus free practice in every topic and Test 1 of every skill. No card needed, and nothing expires.
Create a free account or sign in