Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction Essay Example for Free

Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction Essay PEMDAS stands for Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. PEMDAS corresponds the right order of numerical operations that has to be used when solving mathematical problems. Following that definition, PEMDAS implies that expressions inside the parentheses should be evaluated first. If there are multiple parenthesis and brackets in the equation, the rule of thumb indicates working from the inside going out. After which, those with exponents are handled. Next, multiplication and division are performed. These two are actually ranked equally and should be carried out from left to right. Them being equal, you can evaluate the expression as you go along. You can multiply or divide from left to right, depending upon to what is called for. The same is true with addition and subtraction, which comprises the last part of the sequence. Just like multiplication and division, these two regarded as equal. It means that you can perform either addition or subtraction as required from left to right. PEMDAS is the universally accepted way of solving mathematical problems. It ensures a better flow of operation within the equation and is generally considered the most logical way to solve a problem. For example, the simple operation 2+(3-1)24 will generate 18 if PEMDAS is used. Evaluating this equation from left to right isnt really possible, because you dont have anything to square unless you evaluate whats inside the parenthesis first. If PEMDAS is not applied, mathematical problems will show different results. 5+32 is equal to 11 applying PEMDAS. But if it is merely evaluated from left to right, the answer becomes 16. Simply put, the use of PEMDAS standardizes the evaluation of algebraic equations and other and mathematical problems. Using it enhances the smooth flow of communication between people as well. We all know how mathematics is important in our daily lives. There are a lot of direct application of mathematics in medicine, engineering, and business. What will happen if doctors dont interpret in the same way a certain mathematical formula provided by pharmaceutical companies to determine the exact dosage of medicine to a patient? Then the results may just be fatal to the patient for all we know.