Step by step
The question
Question: work out 20 − 3 × 4.
20 − 3 × 4
1 Times and divide
Everyone uses the same order, so we all get the same answer.
Times comes before minus.
Order: × ÷ → + −
3 times 4 is 12.
= 20 − 12
2 Plus and minus
20 minus 12 is 8.
= 8
Careful!
Many people take away before they multiply and get 68.
But times and divide come before plus and minus.
The right way: 20 − 3 × 4 = 8.
Careful: not 20 − 3 × 4 = 68 ✗
right: 20 − 3 × 4 = 8 ✓
So the answer is 8.
Let's look back.
First: times and divide.
Last: plus and minus.
Answer
= 8