What is the order of operations in mathematics?

The order of operations in mathematics is a critical concept that provides a standard procedure for evaluating expressions. The correct answer emphasizes that when performing calculations, multiplication and division are conducted before addition and subtraction, and all of these operations are performed from left to right as they appear in the expression.

This means that if an expression contains both multiplication and addition, for instance, you must first handle any multiplication or division operations before moving on to addition or subtraction, while also progressing from left to right. This systematic approach ensures that expressions are interpreted in a consistent manner, avoiding ambiguity.

In educational and practical terms, this order is often summarized with the acronym PEMDAS or BIDMAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction. The clarification in the answer reinforces that operations in parentheses should be evaluated first, but this specific answer correctly highlights that multiplication and division take precedence over addition and subtraction.

Understanding this order is crucial for solving mathematical problems accurately and effectively; it serves as the foundational rule guiding how to approach calculations in algebra and arithmetic.