Grade 5 · Order of operations
What is 8 ÷ 2 x 4? Is it 1 or 16?
0:20 video · Watch on YouTube
8 ÷ 2 x 4 = 16. Multiplication and division are equal partners, so you work from left to right: 8 ÷ 2 = 4, then 4 x 4 = 16.
The wrong answer, 1, comes from doing the multiplication first (2 x 4 = 8, then 8 ÷ 8 = 1). That breaks the rule: multiplication does not come before division.
The question, solved step by step
8 ÷ 2 x 4 = ?
- Multiplication and division have the same priority.
- So work from left to right.
- First, 8 ÷ 2 = 4.
- Then 4 x 4 = 16.
Answer
8 ÷ 2 x 4 = 16
The common mistake
Multiplying first: 2 x 4 = 8, then 8 ÷ 8 = 1. PEMDAS lists M before D, but they are a pair of equal rank, so the left-to-right order decides.
Parent tip
Teach PEMDAS as "MD" and "AS" pairs. Say it with your child: multiplication and division go left to right, then addition and subtraction go left to right.
Video transcript
0:00Is it one, or sixteen? Most people get this wrong!
0:07Did you say one? Nope!
0:09Times and divide are equal. Go left to right! Eight divided by two is four.
0:14Then four times four. Sixteen! Now try this one. Comment your answer!
Questions parents ask
What is 8 ÷ 2 x 4?
Does multiplication come before division in PEMDAS?
Why do some people get 1 for 8 ÷ 2 x 4?
What is 12 ÷ 3 x 2?
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