Mastering the Order of Operations with PEMDAS

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This instructional video provides a clear, step-by-step guide to understanding and applying the Order of Operations in mathematics, commonly known by the acronym PEMDAS. Hosted by an instructor named Ashley, the video begins by addressing the common misconception that math problems are always solved from left to right. It introduces the hierarchy of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction, using the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" to help students memorize the sequence. The video explores the nuance of the rules, specifically clarifying that Multiplication and Division are peers that should be solved from left to right, as are Addition and Subtraction. The instructor emphasizes that prerequisite knowledge of positive/negative numbers and decimals is necessary before tackling these complex expressions. The content moves from theory to practice with two detailed worked examples: one involving negative numbers and multiplication, and a more complex problem involving nested parentheses, exponents, and division. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent introduction or review of pre-algebraic concepts. It models precise mathematical thinking and notation, demonstrating how to rewrite equations line-by-line as they are simplified. The visual format, where operations are solved and the remaining parts of the equation are "brought down," provides a strong scaffold for students learning to organize their written work in math.