Grade 5 · Order of operations
What is 3 + 3 x 3 - 3 + 3?
0:20 video · Watch on YouTube
3 + 3 x 3 - 3 + 3 = 12. Multiply first: 3 x 3 = 9. Then work left to right: 3 + 9 = 12, 12 - 3 = 9, 9 + 3 = 12.
Many people say 18 because they go straight from left to right. The order of operations (PEMDAS, or BODMAS) says multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.
The question, solved step by step
3 + 3 x 3 - 3 + 3 = ?
- Look for multiplication first: 3 x 3 = 9.
- Rewrite the problem: 3 + 9 - 3 + 3.
- Now go left to right. 3 + 9 = 12.
- 12 - 3 = 9.
- 9 + 3 = 12.
Answer
3 + 3 x 3 - 3 + 3 = 12
The common mistake
Working strictly left to right: 3 + 3 = 6, 6 x 3 = 18, 18 - 3 = 15, 15 + 3 = 18. That ignores the rule that multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.
Parent tip
Ask your child to underline the multiplication or division in a problem before doing anything else. That one habit fixes most order of operations errors.
Video transcript
0:00Ninety-nine percent get this wrong! Can you solve it?
0:07Did you say eighteen? Nope!
0:09Multiply first! Three times three is nine.
0:12So it's three plus nine, minus three, plus three. Twelve! Now try this one. Comment your answer!
Questions parents ask
What is 3 + 3 x 3 - 3 + 3?
Why is the answer 12 and not 18?
What is the order of operations?
What is 5 + 5 x 5 - 5?
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