Algebra: Calculating with exponents and roots
                    
                Order of operations
    
Now that we have explained all operations, we will check in which order we are allowed to perform them.
| 
 When adding or subtraction, we perform the operations from left to right.  | 
 Example  | 
| 
 When multiplying or dividing, we perform the operations from left to right.  | 
 Example  | 
| 
 Multiplying or dividing has precedence over adding and subtracting.  | 
 Example  | 
| 
 Exponentiation has precedence over multiplying and dividing.  | 
 Example  | 
| 
 First, calculate what is in between brackets.  | 
 Example  | 
#\begin{array}{rcl} -7 \cdot x^{4+2} \cdot x + 7 \cdot x^{4+1} \cdot 7 \cdot x^{2} &=& -7 \cdot x^{6} \cdot x + 7 \cdot x^{5} \cdot 7 \cdot x^{2} \\
&& \phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{exponentiation has precedence }}\\
&=& -7 \cdot x^{7} + 49 \cdot x^{7} \\
&& \phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{multiplication is the second step }} \\ && \phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{with the rule for exponents: }a^{n} \cdot a^{m}=a^{n+m}}\\
&=& 42 \cdot x^{7} \\
&& \phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{then adding/subtracting like terms }}\\
\end{array}#
Or visit omptest.org if jou are taking an OMPT exam.