What is the correct order of operations for solving equations?

The story behind the answer

The correct order of operations is Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction—often remembered as PEMDAS. Parentheses come first to resolve grouped parts, then exponents. Multiplication and division are on the same level and are performed left to right; the same is true for addition and subtraction. This left-to-right pairing prevents ambiguity and ensures that every expression has a single, consistent value.

This convention became standard to avoid conflicting interpretations as algebra developed. In many countries you’ll also hear BODMAS/BIDMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction). A handy memory tip: “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally,” and remember that MD and AS are teammates—solve them left to right rather than thinking multiplication always beats division or addition always beats subtraction.