BODMAS Rule

Several times some concepts are stressed upon by teachers and very often they do prove to be very important in solving higher level problems and calculations. One such concept is that of the BODMAS rule. The full form is Brackets, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. In the below coming sections let us explore the BODMAS rule in detail along with its importance and some solved examples.

What is the BODMAS rule?

A common concept taught in primary schools is mainly focussed at reducing long amounts of calculations and intends to simplify things.

 The BODMAS rule stands for a short form that is B stands for brackets, O stands for order, D stands for division, M stands for Multiplication, A stands for addition and S stands for subtraction. The BODMAS rule operates on the basis of what the order of solving calculations is.

Lately there has been some confusion over what the ‘O’ in the BODMAS rule rally stands for. Sometimes, in primary school students are taught that O stands for, hence the acronym becoming ‘brackets of division, multiplication, addition and subtraction.’

But as maths gets more complicated along the line, the ‘O’ often stands for order which in turn refers to solving square roots and square numbers.

How to use the BODMAS rule?

When a problem involving brackets is given, the BODMAS rule is applied. The order of operations goes as first solving the calculations that are enclosed in the brackets and later followed by the full form that is solving the division followed by multiplication, followed by addition and lastly solving subtraction.

At this point it is important to remember that division and multiplication should be solved from left to right and the order of placements should not change. This also holds true for addition and subtraction.

Why is the BODMAS rule important?

As mentioned earlier, knowing this rule makes it extremely necessary at a primary level since it prepares children on how to tackle more complicated problems in the future. Maths doesn’t get easier, just the number of terms to be calculated increases and hence it becomes absolutely essential to know the BODMAS rule. Knowing how to solve problems makes a kid more confident in their maths problem solving ability.

Some examples solved using the BODMAS rule

10 x (3+6) = 10 x (9) = 90

For the above problem, it is quite simple to understand. Since it involves brackets, they need to be tackled first. So when 3+6 which lies in the bracket is solved, then we multiply the 10 with the 9 which we obtained from solving the bracket.

6+3² = 6+ 9= 15

Now for this problem, the O which stands for square numbers comes into play. First 3² is solved and then the 6+9 is done to obtain the answer.

4(10+15/5×4-2×2)

On the face this seems complicated but let’s how to solve this step by step:

Since B comes first, the bracket needs to be solved first. Next we solve the division part. So the problem changes to:

4(10+3×4-2×2)

Next comes M so the equation changes to:

4(10+12-4)

Next we tackle with the A or addition part:

4(22-4)

Lastly in the bracket we’re left with the S or subtraction part:

4(18)

Now the last step before we obtain the answer is to multiply 4 and 18 and:

= 72.

Conclusion

Like we’ve seen above, the BODMAS rule stands for Brackets, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. This rule is a very basic, important and fundamental concept required for further studies in maths. Knowing and being well versed in it will help kids better grasp higher concepts.