GCSE MATHS • HIGHER TIER
BIDMAS Made Simple
Use the correct order of operations to solve GCSE calculations accurately.
Clear method
Exam practice
Worked proofs
BIDMAS in Four Moves
1
Brackets
Calculate anything inside brackets first.
2
Indices
Work out powers such as squares and cubes.
3
Divide / Multiply
Complete division and multiplication from left to right.
4
Add / Subtract
Complete addition and subtraction from left to right.
What You’ll Learn
Know BIDMAS
Recall what each letter represents .
Apply the Order
Use operations in the correct sequence .
Work Left to Right
Handle equal-priority operations correctly .
Use BIDMAS in Context
Apply it to negatives, fractions and algebra .
Avoid Exam Errors
Recognise common order-of-operations mistakes .
Key Rules
Follow the Correct Order
Brackets → Indices → Division/Multiplication → Addition/Subtraction.
Equal Priority
Division and multiplication have equal priority.
Work Left to Right
For operations with equal priority, calculate from left to right.
Complete Brackets First
Always calculate everything inside brackets before continuing.
Worked Proof: BIDMAS
Step 1: Brackets
Always calculate anything inside brackets first.
Step 2: Indices
Indices are powers such as squares and cubes.
Step 3: Division / Multiplication
Division and multiplication have equal priority. Work from left to right.
Step 4: Addition / Subtraction
Addition and subtraction also have equal priority. Work from left to right.
More Worked Examples
1
Calculate: 5 + 2 × 6
Multiply first :
2 × 6 = 12
2
Calculate: (8 − 3)²
8 − 3 = 5
3
Calculate: 20 ÷ 4 + 7
20 ÷ 4 = 5
4
Calculate: 3 + 4 × (10 − 6)
10 − 6 = 4
4 × 4 = 16
- Common GCSE Mistakes
- Brackets: Do not ignore calculations inside brackets.
- Multiplication: Do not add before multiplying.
- Indices: Remember to calculate powers at the correct stage.
- Division/Multiplication: Work from left to right.
- Addition/Subtraction: Work from left to right.
- Exam Tips
- Write BIDMAS at the top of the question if needed.
- Complete brackets before operations outside them.
- Remember division and multiplication have equal priority.
- Remember addition and subtraction have equal priority.
- For equal-priority operations, work from left to right.
- Show each stage clearly to reduce calculation errors.
Skills Used in BIDMAS
Order of Operations
Brackets
Indices
Division
Multiplication
Addition
Subtraction
Negative Numbers
Fractions
Algebra
Ready to Practise?
Printable Worksheet
Download and print practice questions with answers.
Interactive Quiz
Test your knowledge with instant feedback and hints.
Exam-Style Questions
Timed questions to build confidence for the real exam.
Watch the BIDMAS Tutorial
Step-by-step walkthroughs of BIDMAS with clear methods and exam tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction.
No. Division and multiplication have equal priority, so work from left to right.
No. Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so work from left to right.
Brackets are completed before indices in BIDMAS.
Yes. The same order of operations applies.
It ensures calculations are completed in a consistent order and gives the correct result.