GED Math Practice Test

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What is the first step in the order of operations?

Addition
Division
Multiplication
Parentheses

The correct answer is: Parentheses

The first step in the order of operations is to evaluate expressions inside parentheses. This principle is commonly remembered by the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). When an expression contains parentheses, it indicates that the operations within them should be completed first in order to calculate the overall value accurately. For example, in the expression 3 + (2 × 5), the multiplication inside the parentheses is performed before the addition, leading to a proper and accurate result. This foundational concept is crucial because it ensures that calculations are performed in a consistent manner, yielding reliable results.