Mathematics is all about order and conventions. For some students the necessity to learn the order is difficult. There are however strategies to enhance recall of the order of the mathematical processes. One of these strategies is PEMDAS which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplications & Division and Addition & Substraction. The student can recall first what is done in parentheses, then exponents, then multiplication and division (left to right), then addition & subtraction (again left to right).
Using Acronyms to recall order of operations in math is extremely beneficial for many students. It makes it easier to structure the information and recall the order in which the calculations need to be done. Students who use these techniques have an easier time with math and achieve higher marks and improved self esteem. They also learn basics which build the foundation for higher level mathematical equations and calculations.
