Math can feel like a puzzle where all the pieces have to fit in just the right order. One of the biggest keys to solving that puzzle correctly is understanding the BODMAS Rule. Whether you’re calculating in school, solving equations in a competitive exam, or even figuring out real-life money problems, BODMAS ensures your answers are always consistent and correct.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what BODMAS means, why it exists, how to use it in everyday math problems, and common mistakes students make. By the end, you’ll feel confident tackling any tricky order-of-operations question thrown your way.

What is BODMAS?

BODMAS is an acronym that stands for:

It tells us the correct sequence to solve mathematical expressions. Without this rule, two people could interpret the same problem differently and end up with totally different answers. The BODMAS rule makes math universal.

Think of BODMAS as the grammar of math. Just like sentences have rules of structure, equations need order to make sense.

Why Do We Need BODMAS?

Imagine you’re solving this problem:

8 + 2 × 5

If you add first (8 + 2 = 10, then × 5 = 50), you’ll get 50. But if you multiply first (2 × 5 = 10, then 8 + 10 = 18), you’ll get 18. Which is correct?

According to BODMAS, multiplication comes before addition. So the correct answer is 18.

This rule keeps everyone on the same page—whether you’re in New York, London, or Tokyo, math has to work the same way.

Breaking Down the Steps

1. Brackets

Always solve inside brackets first. Brackets can include parentheses (), curly braces {}, or square brackets []. If there are multiple layers, solve from the innermost set outward.

Example: (2 + 3) × 4 = 5 × 4 = 20

2. Orders (Powers and Roots)

Next, deal with exponents (like squares, cubes) and roots (like square root, cube root).

Example: 3² + 4 = 9 + 4 = 13

3. Division and Multiplication

These come next, moving from left to right. Division and multiplication are on the same level, so just handle them in the order they appear.

Example: 20 ÷ 2 × 5 = 10 × 5 = 50

4. Addition and Subtraction

Finally, solve addition and subtraction, again from left to right.

Example: 15 – 5 + 2 = 10 + 2 = 12

Common Examples

Example 1: 6 + (2 × 3)
Brackets first: 2 × 3 = 6
Then addition: 6 + 6 = 12

Example 2: (10 – 2)² ÷ 4
Brackets: 10 – 2 = 8
Orders: 8² = 64
Division: 64 ÷ 4 = 16

Example 3: 100 ÷ (5 × 2) + 3
Brackets: 5 × 2 = 10
Division: 100 ÷ 10 = 10
Addition: 10 + 3 = 13

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Ignoring brackets: Some skip over brackets and go straight to multiplication or division, which flips the whole result.

2. Not following left-to-right: Division and multiplication (or addition and subtraction) are equal in priority, so you must go left to right.

3. Mixing up orders: Forgetting to handle squares, cubes, or roots before basic operations leads to errors.

When in doubt, rewrite the problem step by step. Don’t rush—slow solving avoids careless mistakes.

Real-Life Applications of BODMAS

While it may feel like a classroom rule, BODMAS sneaks into our daily lives more often than we notice. Here are some examples:

Different Versions Around the World

In some countries, students learn PEMDAS instead of BODMAS:

The meaning is basically the same, just different wording. The principle never changes: brackets/parentheses first, then powers, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction.

Practice Problems

Try solving these using the BODMAS rule:

  1. (12 + 8) ÷ 5 × 2
  2. 50 – (6 + 4)² ÷ 10
  3. 3 × (4 + 2) – 5
  4. (100 ÷ 5) + (6 × 2)
  5. 2³ + (9 – 3) × 2
Want to master BODMAS? Solve practice questions daily. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Conclusion

The BODMAS rule is not just a classroom memory trick—it’s a foundation of clear, consistent problem-solving in mathematics. By following the order of operations carefully, you avoid mistakes, build confidence, and even understand the deeper logic behind numbers.

So the next time you see a complicated equation, don’t panic. Just remember BODMAS, take it step by step, and you’ll find the right answer waiting at the end.