How should multiplication and division be approached in the order of operations?

How should multiplication and division be approached in the order of operations?

• A. Solve from right to left
• B. Solve from left to right
• C. Only multiplication comes before division
• D. Both should be done simultaneously

Answer: (B)

In the order of operations, multiplication and division are treated with equal priority and should be performed from left to right. This means that when you encounter both multiplication and division in a mathematical expression, you process them in the order they appear as you move through the expression. For example, in the expression \( 8 \div 4 \times 2 \), you would first divide 8 by 4, obtaining 2, and then multiply that result by 2, leading to a final answer of 4. This method ensures consistency in calculations and avoids confusion that could arise from treating one operation as more important than the other. Thus, solving from left to right is essential to correctly follow the established conventions of arithmetic.

In the order of operations, multiplication and division are treated with equal priority and should be performed from left to right. This means that when you encounter both multiplication and division in a mathematical expression, you process them in the order they appear as you move through the expression.

For example, in the expression ( 8 \div 4 \times 2 ), you would first divide 8 by 4, obtaining 2, and then multiply that result by 2, leading to a final answer of 4.

This method ensures consistency in calculations and avoids confusion that could arise from treating one operation as more important than the other. Thus, solving from left to right is essential to correctly follow the established conventions of arithmetic.