Apply the Rules of BIDMAS to Complete the Calculation

Calling all number detectives!

 

Look at this symbol:

 

 

We know it is the equals sign but what does it actually mean?

It means the same as and doesn’t just mean the answer.

 

Look at the following calculation:

 

Both sides of the calculation must be equal.

We need to work out the answer to the left side of the calculation before we can work out the mystery number on the right side of the calculation.

 

We must follow the rules of BIDMAS (or BODMAS) in these calculations.

When you complete a calculation using BIDMAS, you answer anything in brackets first, then any indices (squared and cubed numbers),  then the division and multiplication parts, followed by the addition and subtraction parts.

 

Following the rules of BIDMAS, we must calculate 5 x 3 first and then add 7. This gives us 22.

So the answer on the right must equal 22. 10 x 2 is 20 so the mystery number must be 2 to make a total of 22.

7 + (5 x 3) = (10 x 2) + 2

 

Pssstt!! Here’s a handy hint to help you reach superstar status:

Remember to follow the rules of BIDMAS.

 

It’s now your turn to complete the calculation! Good luck!