Solve 10 + 2 × (3 + 1): Order of Operations Practice

Q: Why can't I just work from left to right like reading?

Mathematics has specific rules that are different from reading! The order of operations (PEMDAS) ensures everyone gets the same answer. Without these rules, $ 10 + 2 \times 4 $ could equal 48 or 18!

Q: Do I always have to do multiplication before addition?

Yes! Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. This is a fundamental rule that never changes, regardless of how the problem is written.

Q: What if there are multiple sets of parentheses?

Work from the innermost parentheses outward. For example: $ 2 \times (3 + (4 - 1)) $ → solve $ 4 - 1 = 3 $ first, then $ 3 + 3 = 6 $, finally $ 2 \times 6 = 12 $.

Q: How can I remember to check my work?

After solving, always ask: "Does this make sense?" Substitute your answer back into the original expression. If $ 10 + 2 \times (3 + 1) $ gives you 18, then 18 should be your final result!

Order of Operations with Parentheses

$10 + 2 \times (3 + 1) =$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$10 + 2 \times (3 + 1) =$

Step-by-step solution

1. Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).

2. First do the operation inside the parenthesis: $3 + 1 = 4$ .

3. Then, perform the multiplication: $2 \times 4 = 8$ .

4. Finally, perform the addition: $10 + 8 = 18$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

PEMDAS Rule: Parentheses first, then multiplication, finally addition
Technique: Calculate $3 + 1 = 4$ , then $2 \times 4 = 8$
Check: Substitute back: $10 + 8 = 18$ matches our answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Working left to right without following order of operations
Don't calculate 10 + 2 = 12 first! This ignores parentheses and multiplication priority, giving 12 × (3 + 1) = 48 instead of 18. Always follow PEMDAS: parentheses first, then multiplication, then addition.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following equation:

$$ 30 - (10 + 7) = $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just work from left to right like reading?

Mathematics has specific rules that are different from reading! The order of operations (PEMDAS) ensures everyone gets the same answer. Without these rules, $10 + 2 \times 4$ could equal 48 or 18!

What does PEMDAS stand for again?

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Some people remember it as "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"!

Do I always have to do multiplication before addition?

Yes! Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. This is a fundamental rule that never changes, regardless of how the problem is written.

What if there are multiple sets of parentheses?

Work from the innermost parentheses outward. For example: $2 \times (3 + (4 - 1))$ → solve $4 - 1 = 3$ first, then $3 + 3 = 6$ , finally $2 \times 6 = 12$ .

How can I remember to check my work?

After solving, always ask: "Does this make sense?" Substitute your answer back into the original expression. If $10 + 2 \times (3 + 1)$ gives you 18, then 18 should be your final result!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Order of operations for beginners questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime