Work through calculations in this order:
- Brackets - solve everything inside brackets first
- Indices - powers and roots (e.g., x², √16, 2³)
- Division and Multiplication - equal priority, work left to right
- Addition and Subtraction - equal priority, work left to right
Memory aid: "Big Elephants Destroy Many Ant Settlements"
Alternative names: BODMAS (Orders), PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents)
Alternative names: BODMAS (Orders), PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents)
This key facts covers BIDMAS Order within BIDMAS for GCSE Mathematics. Revise BIDMAS in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 9 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for BIDMAS
What does the letter 'I' stand for in BIDMAS?
Explain what BIDMAS tells us about calculations and why it is needed.
Quick recall flashcards
Calculate: 2 + 3 × 4
**Step 1:** Multiplication first (BIDMAS)
3 × 4 = 12
**Step 2:** Then addition
2 + 12 = **14**
*(Not 2 + 3 = 5, then 5 × 4 = 20)*
Calculate: 10 - 2²
**Step 1:** Indices first (BIDMAS)
2² = 4
**Step 2:** Then subtraction
10 - 4 = **6**
*(Not 10 - 2 = 8, then 8² = 64)*