Math Resource - Order of Operations (BODMAS vs PEMDAS)

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Math Resource - Order of Operations

This guide is designed for students transitioning from an Afrikaans medium school to an English medium school. It bridges the gap between HAKDELAVA, BODMAS, and PEMDAS.

🧠 The Hierarchy (Die Rangorde)

In mathematics, we follow a specific order (“resep”) to solve problems. Some operations are “stronger” than others.

Priority	English (BODMAS)	Afrikaans (HAKDELAVA)	Symbol
1. First	Brackets	Hakkies	( )
2. Second	Orders (or Of)	Kwadrate (of Magte)	x², √
3. Third	Division	Deling	÷
4. Fourth	Multiplication	Menigvuldiging	×
5. Fifth	Addition	Las op (Optelling)	+
6. Sixth	Subtraction	Aftrekking	-

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⚡ The “Left-to-Right” Rule (Links-na-Regs)

Important: Multiplication/Division and Addition/Subtraction are equal in strength.

• If you see both × and ÷ in a line, solve them from left to right.
• If you see both + and - in a line, solve them from left to right.

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🗣️ Mnemonics (Onthou-Rympies)

English (PEMDAS)

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
(Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction)

Afrikaans (HAKDELAVA)

Hoekom Kan Daan My Later Affire?
(Hakkies, Kwadrate, Deling, Menigvuldiging, Las op, Aftrekking)

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📝 Example Walkthrough

Problem: $46+(-6\times 7)+20÷(-5)$

1. Multiplication First: $-6\times 7=-42$
   • Rule: Positive × Negative = Negative (Positief × Negatief = Negatief)
2. Division Second: $20÷(-5)=-4$
   • Rule: Positive ÷ Negative = Negative
3. Combine: $46+(-42)+(-4)$
4. Left-to-Right:
   • $46-42=4$
   • $4-4=0$

Final Answer: 0

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Note: This resource is intended to simplify the transition between mathematical terminologies.