In PEMDAS is Wrong! The True Order of Operations?

Question

1.  What does the narrator say is wrong about PEMDAS?
2.  What does he say should be the way to teach the order of operations?
3.  What is your opinion of why we need an agreement on the order of operations?

Answer 1

1. The narrator argues that the commonly used acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) is misleading because it implies a strict hierarchical order rather than a more nuanced approach to operations that occur at the same level. He suggests that it can lead to confusion, especially when it comes to the sequence of multiplication/division and addition/subtraction, which should be treated with equal precedence and performed left to right.

2. The narrator advocates for teaching the order of operations as a set of rules that prioritize clarity and consistency, rather than rigidly adhering to an acronym. He suggests emphasizing the need to perform operations from left to right for calculations at the same level of precedence, rather than designating specific operations as being universally more important than others.

3. Having a consistent agreement on the order of operations is crucial for effective communication in mathematics. It ensures that everyone interprets and solves mathematical expressions in the same way, reducing confusion and potential errors. Consistency fosters collaboration and understanding among students, educators, and professionals alike, making it easier to learn, teach, and apply mathematical concepts in various contexts. Without a clear agreement, different interpretations could lead to discrepancies in problem-solving, which could hinder learning and effective communication in mathematics.