Foundation Example

Part of BIDMAS · Section 4 of 9

Study NotesUnit: NumberGCSE

This study notes covers Foundation Example 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 4 of 9 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Foundation Example

Calculate: 5 + 3 × 2

Step 1 Apply BIDMAS order

Multiplication before addition

M comes before A in BIDMAS

Step 2 Calculate multiplication

3 × 2 = 6

So we have: 5 + 6

Step 3 Calculate addition

5 + 6 = 11

Answer: 11

Practice questions for BIDMAS

What does the letter 'I' stand for in BIDMAS?

  • A. Integers
  • B. Inverse
  • C. Indices
  • D. Integration
1 markfoundation

Explain what BIDMAS tells us about calculations and why it is needed.

2 marksstandard

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)*

14 questions on BIDMAS — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty and spaced-repetition flashcards — all aligned to your exam board.

Start revising free →