In the previous section, you used the order of operations to simplify basic expressions. Now, you will look at more ways to remember the order of operations and practice simplifying a few more expressions.

Another way to remember the order of operations is GEMA.

Click on the letter of the acronym GEMA to see what each letter represents.

There are many ways to remember the order of operations: PEMDAS, Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, and GEMA. They all result in the same consistency needed to simplify expressions. Practice the order of operations by simplifying the expressions below.

Drag the tiles to show the first step in simplifying the expression below. You will not use every tile.

Finish simplifying the expression.

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Check Your Answer

(13 + (3 − 2))
(13 + 1)
14

Simplify the following expression by arranging the steps in the correct order. You may not need every step listed.

Practice

Simplify each expression below using the order of operations.

1. 7 + ((9 + 3) × 6)

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   Follow the order of operations, GEMA.
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   Check Your Answer

   7 + ((9 + 3) × 6)
   7 + (12 × 6)
   7 + 72
   79
2. (5² + (8 ÷ 2 + 2²)) − 2²

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   Follow the order of operations, GEMA.
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   Check Your Answer

   (5² + (8 ÷ 2 + 2²)) − 2²
   (5² + (8 ÷ 2 + 4)) − 2²
   (5² + (4 + 4)) − 2²
   (5² + 8) − 2²
   (25 + 8) − 2²
   33 − 2²
   33 − 4
   29
3. (8 + 55 − 3) ÷ 5 + 4²

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   Follow the order of operations, GEMA.
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   Check Your Answer

   (8 + 55 − 3) ÷ 5 + 4²
   (63 − 3) ÷ 5 + 4²
   60 ÷ 5 + 4²
   60 ÷ 5 + 16
   12 + 16
   28