BIDMAS stands for Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction and is a useful pneumonic to help remember the order in which to solve calculations with mixed operations.

You should always complete whatever calculation is contained within brackets first.

Indices are powers, indicated by smaller numbers to the top right of the main number.

Division and Multiplication should be carried out next followed by addition and subtraction to finish.

If you do not follow this order, a calculation can result in different answers.

 

 

Sometimes BIDMAS is referred to as BODMAS or BOMDAS but the order of operations is always the same, regardless of what term you choose to use.

 

CURRICULUM LINK:

Having explored the
need for rules for the order
of operations in number
calculations, I can apply
them correctly when
solving simple problems.
MTH 2-03c