BODMAS Rule
2026-02-28 11:18 Diff
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Last updated on December 5, 2025

BODMAS is an acronym that tells us the correct order to solve mathematical operations. By following brackets, orders which are powers or roots, division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction in sequence, we can find the correct answer in any expression.

What is the BODMAS Rule?

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BODMAS is an abbreviation that helps remember the sequence of steps followed when solving mathematical expressions. This rule states that if a given expression has multiple operators, they must be performed from left to right by following the rule. It means that brackets should be solved first, then the powers of roots, division or multiplication, and finally addition or subtraction.

Division and multiplication are performed from left to right, depending on which appears first, as they have equal precedence.

BODMAS Full Form

The word BODMAS stands for:
 

  • B = Brackets ( )
     
  • O = Order (powers or roots)
     
  • D = Division (÷)
     
  • M = Multiplication (×)
     
  • A = Addition (+)
     
  • S = Subtraction (-)

Let us take an example to get a better understanding of the BODMAS rule. 

Solve this math problem: \(25 ÷ 5 × 2 + 2^2 - (4 + 5)\)

\(25 ÷ 5 × 2 + 2^2 - 9\) (brackets: (4 + 5))

\(5 × 2 + 2^2- 9\) (division: 25 ÷ 5)

\(10 + 2^2 - 9 \)(multiplication: 5 × 2)

14 - 9 (addition: 10 + 4)

5 (subtraction: 14 - 9)

Therefore, the final answer is 5.

BODMAS vs PEMDAS vs BIDMAS

BODMAS, PEMDAS, and BIDMAS are acronyms that help recall the correct order of mathematical operations in expressions that have multiple operators. 

Characteristics BODMAS PEMDAS BIDMAS Full form Brackets, orders, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction Parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction Brackets, Indices, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction Prevalent in Used in the UK, India, and several other countries.  Widely used in the USA. Commonly used in the UK Order of operations (Brackets and parentheses) Brackets are solved first. Parentheses are solved first. Brackets are solved first. Orders/ Exponents/ Indices Followed by the brackets, the order of powers and roots is calculated. After solving the parentheses, the exponents are solved. Followed by the brackets, indices are solved. Division and multiplication Depending on which appears first, division and multiplication are performed from left to right. Performed from left to right, depending on whichever comes first. Depending on which comes first, the operations are performed from left to right. Addition and subtraction Based on the order they appear, performed from left to right. According to whichever appears first, they are performed from left to right. Depending on which comes first, addition and subtraction are performed from left to right.

These terms help solve complex problems accurately. Parentheses group expressions and must be solved first. Exponents, also called indices, are the same as powers, which indicate the number of times a number is repeatedly multiplied by itself. 

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What are the Mathematical Operations in BODMAS?

Mathematical operations are the basic arithmetic operations we perform on numbers. The four main operations in BODMAS are:
 

  • Addition (+): Solve addition from left to right. 
     
  • Subtraction (-): Solve subtraction from left to right. 
     
  • Multiplication (×): Solve multiplication from left to right.
     
  • Division (÷): Solve division from left to right. 
     

The pattern of the operations in BODMAS is:
 

  1. First, solve the brackets. 
     
  2. Solve the powers, square roots, and other exponents.
     
  3. Then division and multiplication.
     
  4. Followed by addition and subtraction. 

When to Use BODMAS?

We can apply BODMAS when a mathematical expression contains more than one operation. BODMAS follows a fixed order of rules that must be used step by step. Using this order, we can ensure that every expression is solved in a structured way and that it will always lead us to the correct answer.


Follow these conditions while using BODMAS: 

If there is a bracket, we first remove it and then add or subtract the terms inside it. For example:

a + (b + c) = a + b + c

a + (b - c) = a + b - c

If there is a minus sign before a bracket, we first remove the bracket and then multiply the negative sign by each term inside it. For example:

a - (b + c) = a - b - c

If a term is written directly outside a bracket, we multiply that term by each term inside the bracket. For example:

a(b + c) = ab + ac

Easy Ways to Remember BODMAS

Here are some of the easy steps to remember the BODMAS rule:

• First, we have to simplify the terms inside the brackets.

• Next in order, solve any exponents present.

• Then, do division and multiplication in order from left to right.

• Finally, do addition and subtraction in order from left to right.

Why is the BODMAS Rule Important?

These rules are used for systematic calculation of all the mathematical operations. The rule reduces the chances of misinterpretation of various operators. For example, if the given expression is \( 6 + 4 × 2\). If we do not follow the BODMAS rule, it will result in an incorrect answer.  
\(6 + (4 × 2)\)

According to the BODMAS rule, multiplication comes before addition. Therefore, the multiplication problem must be resolved first:

First, solve the brackets: \(4 × 2 = 8\)

Then, solve the addition:\( 6 + 8 = 14 \)

If we perform mathematical operations differently, the answers will be incorrect. The BODMAS rule maintains consistency and ensures everyone gets the correct answer. 

Tips and Tricks to Master BODMAS Rule

The simple tips and tricks that should be kept in mind while dealing with the BODMAS rule are:
 

  • Solve the brackets first, then follow the exponents. Perform division or multiplication, then addition or subtraction from left to right. 
     
  • Use parentheses to break down complicated expressions and ensure accuracy in the answers. For example, if the given expression is

    \((12 ÷ 2) × 5\).

    \((12 ÷ 2) × 5 = 6 × 5 = 30\).

  • Practice the BODMAS rule and expressions with multiple operators daily to build a proper understanding of the concept. 
     
  • Perform division or multiplication as well as addition or subtraction from left to right to avoid mistakes. 
     
  • Double-check each step by estimating the result to ensure you haven’t skipped any operation or misapplied the order.
     
  • Teachers can help learners remember the BODMAS rule easily by turning it into a fun acronym that tells them a story. For example,

    Big
    Owls
    Do
    Multiply
    And
    Subtract

  • While teaching the concept of BODMAS, parents and teachers can use color coding: blue for brackets, yellow for highlighting order, green for underlining division and multiplication, and red for box addition and subtraction. This visual code will help students reduce confusion.
     
  • Learning BODMAS through its real-life applications is much more effective and valuable than just solving mathematical problems. Therefore, parents and teachers can help learners apply the BODMAS rule in daily life situations. Ask them to use brackets to decide what they spend first inside a store, and use orders to determine the arrangement patterns.
     
  • Teachers must ask learners to start simple and gradually increase complexity. Start with equations that have no brackets, give them only multiplication and addition, and then introduce brackets, then give them nested brackets, and finally, provide them with word problems to solve. 

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them on the BODMAS Rule

Understanding the BODMAS rule is crucial in solving expressions with multiple operations. However, students often make some errors when they work with various operations in a single expression. Here are some common mistakes and the solutions to avoid them.

Real-Life Applications of the BODMAS Rule

Learning the concept and properties of the BODMAS rule plays a vital role in our daily lives and makes complex mathematical calculations easier. The practical uses of the BODMAS rule are listed below:

  • Shopping and billing: Calculating total costs with discounts, taxes, and offers requires applying BODMAS to get the correct bill.
     
  • Cooking and recipes: Adjusting ingredient quantities in complex recipes with fractions and multipliers involves using BODMAS for accurate measurements.
     
  • Construction and engineering: Solving expressions in measurements, areas, and volumes requires BODMAS to ensure precise calculations.
     
  • Finance and budgeting: Calculating interest, loan payments, or splitting expenses often involves multiple operations, where BODMAS ensures accurate results.
     
  • Science experiments: Measurements, formulas, and data analysis in experiments often require BODMAS to correctly perform calculations and interpret results.

Problem 1

Simplify the expression by using the BODMAS rule: 9 + [12 ÷ (3 × 2)] − 5

Okay, lets begin

6

Explanation

We must follow the BODMAS rule to simplify the given expression.

Start with parentheses: \(3 × 2 = 6\)


Now the expression becomes: \(9 + [12 ÷ 6] - 5\)


Next, the square brackets: \(12 ÷ 6 = 2\)


Here, the expression simplifies to: 9 + 2 - 5


First, we can perform addition and then subtraction:\( 9 + 2 = 11\)


Subtraction: \(11 - 5 = 6\)


Thus, \(9 + [12 ÷ (3 × 2)] − 5 = 6\)

Well explained 👍

Problem 2

Simplify the expression by using the BODMAS rule: 30 − [5 + 2 × (8 − 4)]

Okay, lets begin

17

Explanation

We can start by solving the brackets.


(8 - 4) = 4


Now, the expression is:


30 - [5 + 2 × 4]


Now we can solve the multiplication inside the square brackets:


2 × 4 = 8


The expression simplifies to: 


30 - [5 + 8]


Next, the addition inside the brackets:


5 + 8 = 13


So, the expression becomes: 


30 - 13 


Last, perform the final subtraction:


30 - 13 = 17


Thus, 30 − [5 + 2 × (8 − 4)] = 17

Well explained 👍

Problem 3

Simplify the expression by using the BODMAS rule: 10 ×[ 2^2 – (10 ÷ 5)]

Okay, lets begin

20

Explanation

 First, we need to simplify the brackets.


10 ÷ 5 = 2


The expression becomes: 


10 × [22 - 2]


Next, the exponent.


22 = 4


Now the expression is:


10 × [4 - 2]


Then we can solve the subtraction inside the square brackets:


4 - 2 = 2


Here, the expression simplifies to: 


10 × 2 


10 × 2 = 20


Thus, 10 ×[22 – (10 ÷ 5)] = 20

Well explained 👍

Problem 4

Solve the given expression applying the BODMAS rule: 7 + 4 × 2

Okay, lets begin

15

Explanation

The given expression contains addition and multiplication. According to the BODMAS rule, multiplication must be performed before addition. 


So, perform multiplication first:


4  × 2 = 8


Now the expression simplifies to:


7 + 8 


Next, we can perform the addition:


7 + 8 = 15


Hence, 7 + 4 × 2 = 15

Well explained 👍

Problem 5

Solve the given expression applying the BODMAS rule: (6 + 3) × (5 − 1)

Okay, lets begin

36

Explanation

According to the BODMAS rule, we have to solve the brackets first.

In the given expression, we have addition, subtraction, and multiplication. 


 First, we can solve the addition in the brackets:


(6 + 3) = 9


Next, the subtraction inside the brackets:


(5 - 1) = 4

Now the expression simplifies to: 


9 × 4 


So, we can perform the multiplication:


9 × 4 = 36


Therefore, (6 + 3) × (5 − 1) = 36

Well explained 👍

FAQs of BODMAS Rule

1.Define the BODMAS rule.

The BODMAS rule is a method in mathematics that defines the sequence of multiple operations in a single expression. BODMAS is an acronym that refers to B - Brackets, O - Order of powers, D - Division, M - Multiplication, A - Addition, and S - Subtraction. 

2.How does the BODMAS rule operate?

According to the BODMAS rule, first, we must solve the brackets, following the order of powers. After that, we can move to division and multiplication depending on which one comes first from left to right. Then we can perform the addition and subtraction from left to right.

3. How to solve multiple brackets in an expression?

If a given expression has square brackets [ ], parentheses ( ), and curly braces { }, we must first solve the parentheses, followed by the square brackets, and finally the curly braces.

4.Which comes first in BODMAS, addition or subtraction?

According to the BODMAS rule, addition and subtraction have the same importance and are performed from left to right. For example, the given expression is 10 - 2 + 3

Step 1: 10 - 2 = 8

Step 2: 8 + 3 = 11

5.What is PEMDAS and BIDMAS?

PEMDAS is an abbreviation that stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. BIDMAS is an acronym that stands for brackets, indices, division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction. 

6.What common mistakes should my child avoid?

Children often ignore brackets, do operations out of order, or forget to solve from left to right for division/multiplication and addition/subtraction.

7.How can I help my child understand the BODMAS rule easily?

Encourage them to solve expressions step by step and to write down each operation in order. Using simple examples like shopping bills or recipe adjustments can make learning fun and relatable.

8.Why is the BODMAS rule important for my child?

It helps children avoid calculation mistakes by teaching them the right sequence to follow when solving expressions with multiple operations.

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.