BODMAS vs PEMDAS

BODMAS vs PEMDAS : If you’ve ever looked at a math problem with multiple operations and wondered, “Where do I even start?” so first know you are not alone. Today, we’re going to break down two important rules that help us solve these problems correctly, BODMAS and PEMDAS.

What Are BODMAS and PEMDAS?

These are just acronyms (memory shortcuts) that tell us the order in which we should solve math problems when they have different operations mixed together (like addition, multiplication, exponents, etc.).

BODMAS (Used in UK, India, Australia, etc.)

• B → Brackets ( )
• O → Orders (Exponents like ², √, etc.)
• D → Division (÷)
• M → Multiplication (×)
• A → Addition (+)
• S → Subtraction (–)

PEMDAS (Used in the US, Canada, etc.)

• P → Parentheses (Same as Brackets)
• E → Exponents (Same as Orders)
• M → Multiplication (×)
• D → Division (÷)
• A → Addition (+)
• S → Subtraction (–)

BODMAS and PEMDAS, Really Different?

Not really! The main difference is just the words they use:

• BODMAS says “Orders” (which includes exponents and roots).
• PEMDAS says “Exponents” (same thing).

Also, BODMAS lists Division before Multiplication, while PEMDAS does the opposite. But here’s the catch: Division and Multiplication actually have the same priority! So, whichever comes first (left to right) gets solved first. The same goes for Addition and Subtraction.

Differences Between BODMAS and PEMDAS

Feature	BODMAS	PEMDAS
Region	UK, India, Australia	US, Canada
“O” vs “E”	“Orders” (includes exponents & roots)	“Exponents” (same as Orders)
Division vs Multiplication	Division before Multiplication (but must follow left-to-right rule)	Multiplication before Division (but must follow left-to-right rule)
Actual Rule	Same as PEMDAS (division/multiplication have equal priority)	Same as BODMAS (division/multiplication have same priority)

Example Where It Matters BODMAS vs PEMDAS

Let’s take:
8 ÷ 2 × 4

• BODMAS says Division first
  8 ÷ 2 = 4, then 4 × 4 = 16 
• PEMDAS says Multiplication first, but since they’re equal, you still go left to right
  8 ÷ 2 = 4, then 4 × 4 = 16 

Same answer = The order doesn’t change the result as long as you follow left-to-right for × and ÷ (and + and −).

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving PEMDAS vs BODMAS

1. Doing Addition Before Multiplication
   • Wrong: 2 + 3 × 4 = 5 × 4 = 20 
   • Right: 3 × 4 = 12, then 2 + 12 = 14 
2. Ignoring Left-to-Rule for × and ÷
   • Wrong: 6 ÷ 3 × 2 = 6 ÷ 6 = 1 
   • Right: 6 ÷ 3 = 2, then 2 × 2 = 4 
3. Forgetting Exponents Come Before Multiplication
   • Wrong: 2 × 3² = 6² = 36 
   • Right: 3² = 9, then 2 × 9 = 18 

Practice Examples PEMDAS vs BODMAS

Let’s test your understanding. Solve these using BODMAS/PEMDAS:

1. 10 − 4 ÷ 2 + 3²
   • Answer: 10 − 2 + 9 = 17
2. (5 + 3) × 2 − 6 ÷ 3
   • Answer: 8 × 2 − 2 = 16 − 2 = 14
3. 4 × 2 + √16 ÷ 2
   • Answer: 8 + 4 ÷ 2 = 8 + 2 = 10

Our Thoughts on BODMAS and PEMDAS

• BODMAS and PEMDAS are the same in practice, just different words.
• Follow the order:
  1. Brackets/Parentheses
  2. Exponents/Orders
  3. Division & Multiplication (left to right)
  4. Addition & Subtraction (left to right)
• Always check your steps 

Check BODMAS Questions :

1. BODMAS Questions
2. Simplification Math Question Easy level
3. Simplification Questions Set
4. Simplification Questions for Exams