When we have to perform a series of  mathematical operations, there is a rule regarding the order in which we should perform these operations. This rule is called BODMAS.

B = Bracket,  (   ) ,  {   } ,  [  ].

O =     Of

D =     Division

M =     Multiplication

A =     Addition

S =     Subtraction

The brackets are also taken in the following order to perform the operations  :

(i)   =   Vinculum  or  bar bracket  (ii)   (  )  =  Small bracket  or  Parenthesis

 (iii)     {   }   =   Curly  bracket                        (ii)   [  ]  =  Square bracket

Examples :

I.  17 –  20    5    25   +   7

=    17  –  20       +   7        ( First  use  Division )

=    17  –  4   +   7              ( Second  use  Multiplication )

=    24  –  4                              ( Third  use  Addition )

=    20                                     ( Last  use  Subtraction )

II.  17 – 2 [ 13 – { 12 – (– 7 – ) } ]

=   17 – 2 [ 13 – { 12 –  (– 7 –      ) } ]

=   17 – 2 [ 13 – { 12 –  (– 6 ) } ]

=   17 – 2 [ 13 –  { 12 + 6 } ]

=   17 – 2 [ 13 –  18 ]

=   17 – 2 [ –  5 ]

=   17  + 10

=   27

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