If you\u2019ve ever answered \u201czero\u201d when quickly reading the expression 10 \u2212 10 \u00d7 10 + 10, you\u2019re not alone. This seemingly simple calculation hides a very common trap, even for adults. The culprit: the order of operations. Let\u2019s review the basics together, so you don\u2019t make the same mistake again.
\nThis calculation is confusing
\nLet\u2019s look at the expression:
\n10 \u2212 10 \u00d7 10 + 10
\nAt first glance, it seems easy. However, many people add or subtract incorrectly, which gives an incorrect result. And if you thought you were getting 0 , you\u2019ve fallen into the trap. The correct answer is\u2026 \u221280 .<\/p>\n
The key: priority rules (PEMDAS or BODMAS)<\/p>\n
These acronyms, taught in middle school, serve as a reminder of the order to be followed:<\/p>\n
P stands for Parentheses
\nE for Exhibitors
\nMD for Multiplication and Division
\nAS stands for Addition and Subtraction
\nsee continuation on next page<\/p>\n
In French, we often talk about BODMAS, but the principle is the same: multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction, even if they appear later in the calculation.
\nStep-by-step solution
\nLet\u2019s revisit the expression:
\n10 \u2212 10 \u00d7 10 + 10<\/p>\n
We begin with multiplication:
\n10 \u00d7 10 = 100<\/p>\n
The expression then becomes:
\n10 \u2212 100 + 10<\/p>\n
Next, we calculate from left to right:
\n10 \u2212 100 = \u221290
\n\u221290 + 10 = \u221280<\/p>\n
Final result: -80<\/p>\n
Why do we make mistakes so often?
\nBecause we tend to read and solve calculations in order, without applying the order of operations. Out of habit or for the sake of speed, mistakes happen quickly. Many people think that all the operations follow each other \u201cas they appear,\u201d when this is not the case.<\/p>\n
How to avoid making a mistake?
\nHere are some practical tips:<\/p>\n
Always identify multiplications and divisions first.
\nUse parentheses if you are unsure. Example: (10 \u2212 10) \u00d7 (10 + 10) does not give the same result at all.
\nRead your calculation slowly or aloud.
\nPractice with other short expressions to automate the reflex.
\nA little challenge to practice?<\/p>\n
Solve this expression:
\n20 + 5 \u00d7 2 \u2212 10<\/p>\n
Hint: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction. The answer is not 40 \u2026<\/p>\n
Maths is like a recipe: you just have to follow the order of the steps for the result to be correct.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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