Order of operations (BODMAS): Class 6 practice
Brackets first, then Orders (powers), then Division and Multiplication from left to right, then Addition and Subtraction from left to right.. Read the method, follow the three worked examples, then try the six questions.
What you should know first
- Four operations
The idea behind order of operations (bodmas)
Brackets first, then Orders (powers), then Division and Multiplication from left to right, then Addition and Subtraction from left to right.
Step-by-step method
- Work inside brackets.
- Powers next.
- × and ÷ left to right.
- + and − left to right.
Worked example 1 (Basic)
Evaluate 3 + 5 × 9 − 3.
- 5 × 9 = 45
- 3 + 45 − 3 = 45
- Answer: 45
Worked example 2 (Standard)
Evaluate (3 + 5) × 5 − 9.
- Bracket: 8
- × 5 = 40
- − 9 = 31
- Answer: 31
Worked example 3 (Challenge)
Evaluate 18 × 3 − 3² + 4.
- 3² = 9
- 18 × 3 = 54
- 54 − 9 + 4 = 49
- Answer: 49
Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Doing addition before multiplication
- Doing ÷ and × in the wrong order
Practice questions
- (Basic) Evaluate 14 + 9 × 5 − 1.
- (Basic) Evaluate 20 + 9 × 7 − 6.
- (Standard) Evaluate (18 + 2) × 8 − 1.
- (Standard) Evaluate (9 + 7) × 6 − 2.
- (Challenge) Evaluate 18 × 3 − 4² + 7.
- (Challenge) Evaluate 14 × 6 − 7² + 4.
Answer key with full working
- Q1: 9 × 5 = 45 → 14 + 45 − 1 = 58 → Answer: 58
- Q2: 9 × 7 = 63 → 20 + 63 − 6 = 77 → Answer: 77
- Q3: Bracket: 20 → × 8 = 160 → − 1 = 159 → Answer: 159
- Q4: Bracket: 16 → × 6 = 96 → − 2 = 94 → Answer: 94
- Q5: 4² = 16 → 18 × 3 = 54 → 54 − 16 + 7 = 45 → Answer: 45
- Q6: 7² = 49 → 14 × 6 = 84 → 84 − 49 + 4 = 39 → Answer: 39
Syllabus note
This skill is listed under "Whole Numbers" for Class 6 in the NCERT/CBSE books. ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state boards may teach it in a different chapter or year.
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.
Related practice and notes
Frequently asked questions
Which chapter is order of operations (bodmas) in?
"Whole Numbers", Class 6 Maths (NCERT/CBSE). Other boards may place it differently.
How were the answers checked?
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.