Solve the Expression: 11-3÷4 Using Order of Operations

Mathematics has a special order called PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). Division must be done before subtraction, even if subtraction appears first when reading left to right.

Convert the whole number to a mixed number! Think of 11 as $10\frac{4}{4}$, then subtract: $10\frac{4}{4} - \frac{3}{4} = 10\frac{1}{4}$.

The colon (:) is another way to write division, just like ÷. So $3:4$ means the same thing as $3 \div 4$ or $\frac{3}{4}$.

For this problem, mixed number format $10\frac{1}{4}$ is most common and easier to understand. Both $10\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{41}{4}$ are correct!

Use the acronym PEMDAS: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. This helps you remember: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right).