Foundation Example

Part of BIDMAS · Section 4 of 9

Study NotesUnit: NumberGCSE

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

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.

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

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