BIDMAS (F)

Use BIDMAS to solve calculations in the right order. Practise brackets, indices, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction so answers are accurate every time.

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Fascinating Fact:

At the shop, multiplication before addition: £3 + 2 × £5 becomes £3 + £10 = £13. If you add first you would overpay, so follow the order.

In GCSE Maths (Foundation), BIDMAS gives the correct order of operations: Brackets, Indices, Multiplication and Division, then Addition and Subtraction. Using this order prevents mistakes in real-life calculations.

Key Terms

BIDMAS: The order to follow in calculations: Brackets, Indices, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
Indices: Powers such as 3² or 10³ that are evaluated after brackets.
Operator precedence: The priority rules that decide which operations are done first.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does BIDMAS stand for in GCSE Maths?

BIDMAS stands for Brackets, Indices, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Do brackets first, then indices, then multiply or divide, then add or subtract from left to right.

What is the correct order of operations?

Follow BIDMAS: Brackets → Indices → Multiplication/Division (left to right) → Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Example: 3 + 2 × 5 = 13, not 25.

How do brackets affect BIDMAS?

Anything inside brackets is worked out first. For example, 4 × (6 − 1) = 4 × 5 = 20, which differs from 4 × 6 − 1 = 23.