BODMAS Rule

As per the BODMAS rule, we have to calculate the expressions given in the brackets first. The full form of BODMAS is
Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. Hence, the second preference in BODMAS is
given here to the orders or exponents (xn). Later we perform the arithmetic operations (÷, ×, +, -). We will solve
examples based on this rule in the below sections.

BODMAS RULE

Table of Contents:

Definition

Explanation

Full form

Video lesson

Conditions

Examples

Simplification of Brackets

Without brackets

Problems

FAQs

An arithmetic expression that involves multiple operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
are not easy to solve as compared to operations involving two numbers. An operation on two numbers is easy, but
how to solve an expression with brackets and multiple operations and how to simplify a bracket? Let’s recollect the
BODMAS rule and learn about the simplification of brackets.

Learn more: Mathematics

What is BODMAS RULE?

BODMAS is an acronym and it stands for Bracket, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. In
certain regions, PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction) is used, which
is the synonym of BODMAS. Thus, the order of operations of BODMAS and PEMDAS is shown in the below figure.

BODMAS order of operations

BODMAS Rule Explanation

It explains the order of operations to be performed while solving an expression. According to the BODMAS rule, if an
expression contains brackets ((), {}, []) we have first to solve or simplify the bracket followed by ‘order’ (that means
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powers and roots, etc.), then division, multiplication, addition and subtraction from left to right. Solving the problem
in the wrong order will result in a wrong answer.

The BODMAS rule can be applied, if the expression involving more than one operator. In this case, first, we have to
simplify the terms inside the bracket from the inner most bracket to the outermost bracket [{()}], and simplify the
roots or exponents, if any. Then perform multiplication or division operation from left to right. Finally, perform
addition or subtraction operation to get the accurate answer.

Note: The “O” in the BODMAS full form is also called “Order”, which refers to the numbers which involve powers,
square roots, etc. Check the examples below to have a better understanding of using the BODMAS rule.

BODMAS Rule Full form

As we mentioned earlier, the full form of BODMAS is Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.
While applying the BODMAS rule we should follow the order of these operations.

B Brackets ( ), { }, [ ]

O Order of Square roots, indices, exponents and powers

D Division÷, /

M Multiplication ×, *

A Addition +

S Subtraction –

This order must be followed to get accurate results.

Video Lesson on BODMAS Rule

3,26,036

Also, learn:

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

Sometimes you may also come across percentages while simplifying the numerical expression using this BODMAS
rule.

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Conditions and Rules

A few conditions and rules for general simplification are given below:

Condition Rule

x + (y + z) ⇒ x + y + z Open the bracket and add the terms.

x – (y + z) ⇒ x – y – z Open the bracket and multiply the negative sign with each term inside the bracket.

(All positive terms will be negative and vice-versa)

x(y + z) ⇒ xy + xz Multiply the outside term with each term inside the bracket

Tips to Remember BODMAS Rule:

The rules to simplify the expression using BODMAS rule are as follows:

First, simplify the brackets

Solve the exponent or root terms

Perform division or multiplication operation (from left to right)

Perform addition or subtraction operation (from left to right)

BODMAS Rule Examples

Example 1:

Solve

Solution-

Step 1: Solving the fraction inside the bracket first-

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Step 2: Now the expression will be

Simplification of Brackets

Simplification of terms inside the brackets can be done directly. That means we can perform the operations inside
the bracket in the order of division, multiplication, addition and subtraction.

Note: The order of brackets to be simplified is (), {}, [].

Example 2:

Simplify: 14 + (8 – 2 × 3)

Solution:

14 + (8 – 2 × 3)

= 14 + (8 – 6)

= 14 + 2

= 16

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Therefore, 14 + (8 – 2 × 3) = 16.

Example 3:

Simplify the following.

(i) 1800 ÷ [10{(12−6)+(24−12)}]

(ii) 1/2[{−2(1+2)}10]

Solution:

(i) 1800 ÷ [10{(12−6)+(24−12)}]

Step 1: Simplify the terms inside {}.

Step 2: Simplify {} and operate with terms outside the bracket.

1800 ÷ [10{(12−6)+(24−12)}]

= 1800 ÷ [10{6+12}]

= 1800 ÷ [10{18}]

Step 3: Simplify the terms inside [ ].

= 1800 ÷ 180

= 10

(ii) 1/2[{−2(1+2)}10]

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Step 1: Simplify the terms inside () followed by {}, then [].

Step 2: Operate terms with the terms outside the bracket.

1/2[{−2(1+2)}10]

= 1/2 [{-2(3)} 10]

= 1/2 [{-6} 10]

= 1/2 [-60]

= -30

BODMAS Rule without Brackets

The BODMAS rule can be applied to solve the mathematical expression without brackets too. Consider the following
question to verify.

Example 4:

Simplify: 17 – 24 ÷ 6 × 4 + 8

Solution:

17 – 24 ÷ 6 × 4 + 8

As per the BODMAS rule, we should perform the division first.

17 – 4 × 4 + 8

Let’s perform the multiplication.

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17 – 16 + 8

Finally, addition and subtraction.

25 – 16 = 9

Example 5:

Simplify the expression: 1/7 of 49 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

Solution:

1/7 of 49 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

= (1/7) × 49 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

= 7 + 125 ÷ 25 – 12

= 7 + 5 – 12

= 12 – 12

=0

Solved Problems On Bodmas

Question 1: Solve 8 + 9 ÷ 9 + 5 × 2 − 7.

Solution:

The problem given is 8 + 9 ÷ 9 + 5 × 2 − 7.

The division operation is performed first.

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9÷9=1

So, the expression reduces to 8 + 1 + 5 × 2 − 7

The multiplication operation is taken next,

5 × 2 = 10

So, the expression reduces to 8 + 1 + 10 − 7

The addition operation is

8 + 1 + 10 = 19

The final answer is 19 – 7 = 12.

Question 2: Simplify the expression [25 – 3 (6 + 1)] ÷ 4 + 9.

Solution:

The problem given is [25 – 3 (6 + 1)] ÷ 4 + 9.

The round bracket is (6 + 1) = 7.

The next bracket is 3 (7) = 21

Take [25 – 21] ÷ 4 + 9

(25 – 21) = 4

Then division operation is performed,

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4÷4=1

Then 1 + 9 = 10

The final answer is 10.

Question 3: Solve (1 / 4 + 1 / 8) of 64.

Solution:

In the first step, consider (1 / 4 + 1 / 8) = (2 + 1) / 8 = 3 / 8

Take (3 / 8) of 64

Here the term “of” refers to the operation of multiplication.

(3 / 8) of 64 = (3 / 8) * 64

= 24

Question 4: Simplify the given expression: 180 ÷ 15 {(12 – 6) – (14 – 12)}.

Solution:

Initially, the first ( ) brackets are simplified,

180 ÷ 15 {(12 – 6) – (14 – 12)}

= 180 ÷ 15 (6 − 2) (solve round bracket)

= 180 ÷ 15 (4) (solve curly bracket)

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= 12 (4) (divide 180 by 15 = 12)

= 12 × 4 (if no operator is mentioned behind any given bracket, multiplication operation can be performed)

= 48

The final answer is 48.

Question 5: Simplify the following expression 3 + 24 × (15 ÷ 3) using the BODMAS rule.

Solution:

The expression given is 3 + 24 × (15 ÷ 3).

The bracket is taken first.

(15 ÷ 3) = 5

Then 3 + 24 × 5

The calculation is done in order 24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16

16 × 5 = 80

The addition operation is performed next.

3 + 80 = 83

The final answer is 83.

Question 6: Solve
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using BODMAS rule.

Solution: The given problem is

First consider the vinculum or line bracket 16 [8 – {5 – 2 (1 + 1)}] = 16 [8 – {5 – 2 * 2}] ( solve the curved bracket)

= 16 [8 – {5 – 4}]( multiply the curly bracket )

= 16 [8 – 1] ( solve the curly bracket)

= 16 * 7 ( solve the inner part of the square bracket)

= 112

Hence, the final answer is 112.

Question 7: Solve the expression using BODMAS rule{50 – (2 + 3) + 15}.

Solution:

Input Equation:

= {50 – (2 + 3) + 15}

= {50 – (5) + 15}

= {50 – 5 + 15}

= {45 + 15}

= {60}

= 60
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Question 8: Simplify the expression using the BODMAS rule [18 – 2 (5 + 1)] ÷ 3 + 7.

Solution:

Input Equation can be rewritten:

= [18 – 2 * (5 + 1)] / 3 + 7

= [18 – 2 * (6)] / 3 + 7

= [18 – 2 * 6] / 3 + 7

= [18 – 12] / 3 + 7

= [6] / 3 + 7

= (6 / 3) + 7

=2+7

=9

BODMAS Rule Problems

Try to solve the BODMAS Rule Questions given below to understand the application of the rule in simplifications.

What is the value of 28 – [26 – {2 + 5 × (6 – 3)}]?

Simplify: 2 + 5(4 + 2) + 32 – (1 + 6 × 3)

Find the value of 7 + {8 – 3 of (√4 + 2)}.

More Related Links

Surds Exponent
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Index Expanding brackets

To solve more word problems on arithmetical operations, download BYJU’S – The Learning App and watch
interactive videos.

Frequently Asked Questions on BODMAS Rule

What is the BODMAS Rule of Maths?

BODMAS is an acronym for the sequence of operations to be performed while simplifying the mathematical
expressions. Thus, BODMAS stands for Bracket, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.

Can we use the BODMAS rule when there are no brackets?

Yes, we can use the BODMAS rule when there are no brackets also.

What does S represent in the BODMAS rule?

The letter S denotes the subtraction in the BODMAS rule of mathematics.

Which arithmetic operations are involved in the BODMAS rule?

The main arithmetic operations involved in the BODMAS rule are:

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

Square roots or surds and indices

What is the use of the BODMAS rule?

The BODMAS rule helps in simplifying the mathematical expression accurately. Using this rule, we can compute the
given expression in the right way so that the answer is correct.

Substitution Method
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The solution of the simultaneous linear equations can be divided into two broad categories, Graphical Method, and
Algebraic method. The substitution method is one of the categories of the algebraic method. In this article, you will
learn what the substitution method is and how to solve the linear equation using the substitution method with
examples.

Table of Contents:

Definition

Algebraic Method

Graphical Method

Steps

Elimination by Substitution Method

Difference Between Substitution and Elimination Method

Examples

FAQs

Substitution Method Definition

The substitution method is the algebraic method to solve simultaneous linear equations. As the word says, in this
method, the value of one variable from one equation is substituted in the other equation. In this way, a pair of the
linear equation gets transformed into one linear equation with only one variable, which can then easily be solved.
Before moving to solve the linear equations using the substitution method, get an idea on what the algebraic
method and graphical method is.

Algebraic Method

An Algebraic method is a collection of several methods, which are used to solve a pair of the linear equations that
includes two variables. Generally, the algebraic method can be sub-divided into three categories:

Substitution method

Elimination method

Cross-multiplication method

Graphical Method

The graphical method is also known as the geometric method and is used to solve the system of linear equations. In
this method, the equations are designed based on the objective function and constraints. To solve the system of
linear equations, this method has undergone different steps to obtain the solutions.

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In this article, we will focus mainly on solving the linear equations using the first algebraic method called
“Substitution Method” in detail.

Substitution Method Steps

For instance, the system of two equations with two unknown values, the solution can be obtained by using the
below steps. Here, the list of steps is provided to solve the linear equation. They are

Simplify the given equation by expanding the parenthesis

Solve one of the equations for either x or y

Substitute the step 2 solution in the other equation

Now solve the new equation obtained using elementary arithmetic operations

Finally, solve the equation to find the value of the second variable

Graphing of Linear Equations

Solving Linear Equations

Linear Equations in Two Variables

Difference Between Linear and Non-Linear Equations

Elimination by Substitution Method

In this method, the elimination of the variable can be performed by substituting the value of another variable in an
equation. Hence, this method is called the elimination by substitution method.

Let us assume the system of linear equations

2x+3y = 13 and x-2y = -4

Given:

2x+3y = 13 … (1)

x-2y = -4 …(2)

The equation (2) can be written as

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x = 2y-4 … (3)

Now, in equation (1) eliminate the variable x by substituting the equation (3).

Hence, equation (1) becomes

2(2y-4) +3y = 13

Now, apply the distributive property for the above equation,

4y-8+3y = 13

Now, solve the above equation for the variable y

7y – 8 = 13

7y = 13+8

7y = 21

y= 21/7

y= 3

Hence, the value of y is 3.

Now, substituting y=3 in the equation (2), we get

x- 2(3) = -4

x – 6=-4
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x = -4+6

x=2

Therefore, the value of x is 2.

Hence, the solution for the system of linear equations is:

x = 2 and y=3

To check whether the obtained solution is correct or not, substitute the values of x and y in any of the given
equations.

Verification:

Use Equation (2) to verify the solution

x-2y = -4

Now, substitute x= 2 and y=3

2-2(3) = -4

2-6= -4

-4=-4

Here, L.H.S = R.H.S

Hnece, the obtained solution is correct.

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Difference Between Substitution Method and Elimination method

As we know that the substitution method is the process of solving the equation to find the variable value, and the
value is substituted in the other equation. In contrast, the elimination method is the process of eliminating the
variables in the equation so that the system of the equation can be left as the function of a single variable.

So, the major difference between the substitution and elimination method is that the substitution method is the
process of replacing the variable with a value, whereas the elimination method is the process of removing the
variable from the system of linear equations.

Substitution Method Examples

Example 1:

Solve 2x + 3y = 9 and x – y = 3

Solution:

Given:2x + 3y = 9 and x – y = 3

For solving simultaneous equations,

Let, 2x + 3y = 9……..(1)

and x – y = 3 ……..(2)

From Equation (2) we get,

y = x – 3……………(3)

Now, in the substitution method, we find the value of one variable in terms of others and then substitute back.

Now, we know that y = x – 3

Substituting the value of y in equation (1), we get

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2x + 3y = 9

⇒ 2x + 3(x – 3) = 9

⇒ 2x + 3x – 9 = 9

⇒ 5x = 18

⇒x=

Now, the value of y can be found out using equation (3).

So, y = x – 3

⇒y=

–3

⇒y=

Hence the solution of simultaneous equation will be: x =

and y =

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In this way, we can find out the value of the unknown variables x and y using the substitution method.

Example 2:

Solve the pair of linear equations: 4x + 6y = 10 and 2x – 3y = 8 using Substitution method.

Solution:

4x + 6y = 10 ………….(i)

2x – 3y = 8 ……………(ii)

Finding the value of y in terms of x from equation (1), we get-

4x + 6y = 10

⇒ 6y = 10 – 4x

⇒y=

……………….(3)

Using this method, substituting the value of y in equation (2), we get-

= 10

⇒ 2x – 5 + 2x = 10

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⇒ 4x = 15

⇒x=

Finding the value of y, substitute the value of x in equation (3), we get-

y=

⇒y=

⇒y=

Hence the value of y is

and x is

Substitution method is generally used for solving simultaneous equations, which is relatively easy. There are direct
methods like cross-multiplication methods which can directly give you the value of the unknown variables. Still, for
simple equations, not involving hectic calculations, this method can be preferred over other algebraic methods-
Elimination method and cross-multiplication method.

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If the pair of linear equations has no solution, then after substitution you won’t get the same value of LHS and RHS.
In the case of infinite solutions, both sides of the equation will be equal to the same constant.

You will get a unique solution only when you get a proper value of the unknown variable after substitution.

Frequently Asked Question on the Substitution Method

What is meant by the substitution method?

In mathematics, the substitution method is generally used to solve the system of equations. In this method, first,
solve the equation for one variable, and substitute the value of the variable in the other equation.

Mention the different methods to solve the system of equations linear equations in two variables.

The three methods to solve the system of linear equations in two variables are:

Substitution method

Elimination method

Cross-multiplication method

Write down the steps involved in the substitution method.

The steps involved in the substitution method are:

Solve one of the equations either for the variable x or y

Now, substitute the solution from step 1 to the other equation

Finally, solve the equation to find the value of the other variable

What is the benefit of using the substitution method?

The benefit of using the substitution method is that this method gives the exact values for the variables (x and y),
which correspond to the point of intersection.

Can the substitution method be used to solve the system of equations in three variables?

Generally, while solving the system of equations with three variables, either we can use the substitution method or
the elimination method to make the system into the system of two equations with two variables.

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