order of operations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "order of operations" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematics to refer to the rules that dictate the sequence in which calculations are performed. Example: "To solve the equation correctly, you must follow the order of operations: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a clear order of operations.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm vague on the order of operations.

The New Yorker

Arithmetic, including order of operations – with a calculator!

The Washington Post

Given the relative strengths of the two submersibles, our Hydrate Ridge order of operations was ideal.

The New York Times

The recommended order of operations is to transform the full resolution system prior to filtering.

Journal of Computational Physics

Regarding the collection of metadata, President Obama has been persuaded by critics to reverse the order of operations.

The New Yorker

I called my 22-year-old daughter and told her I had forgotten the order of operations.

The New York Times

In sixth-grade math, they were reviewing order of operations, and in fifth-grade science they were learning about chyme.

The New York Times

The framework manages components and variables, the order of operations, and spatial interactions.

Ecological Modelling

The expression syntax and order of operations are commonly found on graphing calculators and mathematical software packages.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The compiler sequences the calculations based on the dependencies of the variables to be computed, thus eliminating order-of-operations errors that are possible in procedural languages.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about mathematical or computational processes, ensure clarity by explicitly stating that the "order of operations" is being followed, especially if the audience may be unfamiliar with the concept.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all readers are familiar with the "order of operations". When describing a mathematical or computational process, briefly explain the concept or provide a reference to ensure everyone understands the sequence being followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order of operations" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific set of rules dictating the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

23%

Wiki

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "order of operations" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to the established sequence for solving mathematical expressions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, academia, and online resources. The phrase's function is primarily informational, serving to instruct or remind individuals about the correct sequence for accurate calculations. While the register is typically neutral to formal, remember to offer explanations for audiences unfamiliar with the concept. Using the "order of operations" correctly ensures clarity and avoids errors in mathematical and computational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precedence rules

Specifically refers to the rules that determine which operation takes priority.

sequence of actions

Focuses on the sequential nature of the actions involved, rather than the specific rules governing them.

priority of tasks

Emphasizes the importance of some tasks over others in a process.

step-by-step procedure

Highlights the structured progression through a series of steps.

logical sequence

Emphasizes the rationale behind the order of steps.

calculation protocol

Implies a standardized set of rules for performing calculations.

systematic process

Focuses on the structured nature of the process.

methodical approach

Highlights a systematic and orderly way of doing something.

organizational structure

While broader, can refer to the arrangement and prioritization of tasks.

task management

Addresses how tasks are prioritized and managed in a workflow.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "order of operations" in a sentence?

Use "order of operations" to describe the correct sequence for solving mathematical expressions. For example, "Remember to follow the "order of operations" to get the correct answer."

What is another way to refer to the "order of operations"?

Alternatives include "rules of precedence" or "mathematical conventions". These terms describe the same concept of prioritizing different mathematical operations.

Why is following the "order of operations" important?

Following the "order of operations" ensures consistent and correct results in mathematical calculations. Without it, the same expression could yield different answers.

What mnemonic device can help me remember the "order of operations"?

Common mnemonics include "PEMDAS" (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) or "BODMAS" (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction). These acronyms help remember the correct sequence.