Keep the order of the operations separate from the signs of the numbers.
Evaluate inside brackets first, then exponents. Next, perform multiplication and division from left to right. Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right. BEDMAS is a reminder of these levels, not an instruction to do every multiplication before every division.
In −3 + 2 × (−4), the first term is −3 and the product is 2 × (−4) = −8. The remaining expression is −3 + (−8), giving −11.
(−3)² means (−3) × (−3), which is 9. In −3², the exponent acts on 3 before the leading negative is applied, so the result is −9. Write brackets clearly when squaring a negative value.
Copy the whole expression onto each line and change only the operation you just completed. Keeping the untouched terms helps prevent dropped negatives and skipped operations.
Compare a + b × c with (a + b) × c. Brackets change which operation happens first. Multiplication and division otherwise share priority and proceed left to right.
Choose values and predict the result.
Pause before the next calculation. Predict the sign and explain the model, then compare the reasoning.
Predict each next step, then reveal the explanation.
Evaluate −3 + 2 × (−4).
Nicely reasoned. Try a fresh question below, or revisit any step.
New questions, useful feedback and hints that build on your thinking.
A balance starts at −$8. Three deposits of $5 give −8 + 3 × 5 = 7 dollars. The grouped deposits are calculated before the balance is combined.