GMAT Math – BODMAS and PEMDAS Rules

GMAT Quant Syllabus Consists of –

1) Arithmetic

2) Algebra

3) Geometry

4) Word Problems

We all know that the base of mathematics is constituted of four primitive operations, which are multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division. Any higher degree problem is just the complex version of these operations. But if you have a sequence of operations then the question we face is what should be the order in which these expressions should be solved. We all have studied the priority order of addressing a stream of expressions in our primary classes. This article is only to help you refresh those rules that are already present in some corner of your brain.

What are PEMDAS and BODMAS rule?

PEMDAS and BODMAS, these are two different solving techniques based on, in which country you live. BODMAS is the UK based problem-solving technique, whereas, PEMDAS is the US-based method.

BODMAS and PEMDAS, both give you a priority sequence of solving an expression. BODMAS stands for-

B      Brackets

O      Index or Order

D     Division

M     Multiplication

A      Addition

S      Subtraction

Whereas, PEMDAS is the abbreviation for

P      Parenthesis

E      Exponents

M     Multiplication

D     Division

A      Addition

S      Subtraction

The only difference between these two methods is, in BODMAS you solve division prior to multiplication, in an equation. While in PEMDAS, the opposite is the case. However, PEMDAS is the synonym of BODMAS.

Here, we will look at a few examples that will refresh the idea for you.

1. Evaluate this expression:

58 ( 2 +  ( 89 ( 112 – 82 ) ) )

Solving this question using the priority of BODMAS, we get;

• First, the innermost bracket will be solved.

58 ( 2 + ( 89 * 30 ) ) // solving the innermost parenthesis

• 58 ( 2 + 2670 ) // Solving the next brackets, subsequently
• 58 ( 2672 ) // Multiplying to get the final result
• 154976

PEMDAS and BODMAS are two similar rules and generate the same answer as division and multiplication hold the same weightage.

1. 9900 – 68 of (214 -105) + 72 *89

• 9900 – 68 of 109 + 72 * 89 // Simplifying bracket 214 -105;
• 9900 – 68 * 109 +72 * 89 // Simplifying ‘of’
• 9900 – 7412 + 72 * 89 // Simplifying multiplication = 68 * 109
• 9900 – 7412 + 6408 // Simplifying multiplication  72 * 89
• 2488 + 6408       // Simplifying subtraction 9900 – 7412
• 8896 // Simplifying addition =  2488 + 6408

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