Step by step
The question
Question: find the value of u + at when u = 5, a = 3 and t = 4.
u + at
u = 5, a
= 3
t = 4
1 Put the numbers in
at means a times t.
So we write a times sign.
at = a × t
We put 5 in place of u, 3 in place of a and 4 in place of t.
= 5 + 3 × 4
2 Times and divide
Everyone uses the same order, so we all get the same answer.
Times comes before plus.
Order: × ÷ → + −
3 times 4 is 12.
= 5 + 12
3 Plus and minus
5 plus 12 is 17.
= 17
Careful!
Many people add before they multiply and get 32.
But times and divide come before plus and minus.
The right way: 5 + 3 × 4 = 17.
Careful: not 5 + 3 × 4 = 32 ✗
right: 5 + 3 × 4 = 17 ✓
So u + at is 17 when u = 5, a = 3 and t = 4.
Let's look back.
First: put the numbers in.
Then: times and divide.
Last: plus and minus.
Answer
= 17