Level 3-4 Algebra - BODMAS, BIDMAS, PEMDAS

BODMAS, BIDMAS, PEMDAS

No matter what you call it, they're all about doing maths in the right order, known as "The Order of Operations". Test your skills with the KS3 Maths quizzes below.

Here's a quick guide: In algebra, letters stand in for numbers. BODMAS is like a secret code. Each letter means something:

B is for Brackets – solve what's inside them first. O is for Orders (or Indices) – deal with squares and cubes next. DM is for Division and Multiplication – do them left to right. AS is for Addition and Subtraction – the last steps, also from left to right.

So, what's "I" in BIDMAS? It's for Indices, which are like Orders. Don't worry about "PEMDAS", you might occasionally hear of it but take our word for it – it means exactly the same as "BODMAS" and "BIDMAS"!

The rules are easy to forget, so take your time with the KS3 quiz. If you're stuck, come back or watch the video for a reminder. Good luck!