Question

which of the following represents the standard order of operations for mathematical formulas?
○ parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction
○ addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, parentheses, exponents
○ exponents, parentheses, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction
○ multiplication and division, parentheses, exponents, addition and subtraction

Explanation:

The standard order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) is parentheses (or brackets) first, then exponents (or orders), followed by multiplication and division (from left to right), and finally addition and subtraction (from left to right). So we check each option:

• First option: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction → matches the standard order.
• Second option: addition/subtraction first is wrong.
• Third option: exponents before parentheses is wrong.
• Fourth option: multiplication/division before parentheses is wrong.

Answer:

A. parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction