Basic Math – Order of Operation Practice

Order of Operation – Rules, Examples and Practice Questions

The order of operation rules are:

Rule 1:  Start with calculations inside brackets or parentheses.
Rule 2: Then, solve multiplications and division, from left to right.
Rule 3: Finally, additions and subtraction, from left to right.

 Example 1

Solve 16 + 5 x 8

Based on the rules above, start with multiplication.

This gives: 16 + 40 = 56

Note that if the rule was not followed, and addition was done first, the answer would be different and incorrect, as in,

16 + 5 x 8

21 x 8 = 168 (wrong answer)

Example 2

3 +(35 – 21) x 2

Solve the problem inside the brackets first. Then multiplication, and finally addition.

3 + (35 – 21) x 2
3 + (14) x 2
3 + 28
= 31

Order Of Operation Practice Questions

1. 7 + 2 x (6 + 3) ÷ 3 – 7 

a.  6
b.  5
c.   7
d.  4

2. 11 + 19 x 2

a. 60
b. 50
c. 49
d. 54

3. (14 + 2) x 2 + 3

a.     21
b.     35
c.     80
d.     43

4. 120 ÷ (6 + 12 x 2)

a.     150
b.     40
c.     6
d.     4

5. 12 + 2 x 44

a.     100
b.     616
c.     110
d.     600

6.  10 x 2 – (7 + 9)

a.     21
b.     16
c.     4
d.     13

Answer Key

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. C

 More – Order of Operation Tutorials

Math Goodies
Math Playground – Video

Written by: Brian Stocker MA, Complete Test Preparation Inc.
Modified: December 18th, 2018 December 18th, 2018

Published: November 27th, 2014