Order of Operations with Powers

Learn to apply order of operations (BEDMAS) with powers and exponents. Grade 9 Alberta mathematics lesson.

Lesson 2.3 of Powers & Exponent Laws in Grade 9 Math — Alberta curriculum lessons.

What you'll learn in this lesson

• The BEDMAS Rule. Learn the correct order of operations and how exponents fit into it.
• Applying BEDMAS with Powers. Practice solving expressions using powers and the BEDMAS order.

Inside the lesson — a free preview

Introduction – Why Order Matters

If two people solve the same problem in a different order, they might get different answers.

Let's look at this example: 2 + 3 × 4

Two Different Approaches.

⚠️ Important. Only one of these is correct! To make sure everyone gets the same answer, we follow a specific order of operations.

Introducing BEDMAS

BEDMAS is the order we follow to solve mathematical expressions correctly:

Introduction

When solving math expressions, it's important to follow the order of operations. If we don't, we might all get different answers to the same question.

When powers are included, they come after brackets, but before multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

BEDMAS Order. Brackets: Exponents: Division: Multiplication: Addition: Subtraction

Applying BEDMAS Step-by-Step

Let's walk through a complete example using BEDMAS: (3 + 2)² × 4

Step 1 – Brackets First.

Step 2 – Exponents Next.

Step 3 – Multiply or Divide (Left to Right).

✅ Final Answer. (3 + 2)² × 4 = 100

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are some common mistakes students make when applying BEDMAS with powers:

❌ Mistake 1 — Doing Addition Before Exponents.

❌ Mistake 2 — Doing Operations in the Wrong Order.

❌ Mistake 3 — Mixing Up Multiplication and Division Order.

Worked example: Step-by-Step Example

Let's walk through BEDMAS in action with: (3 + 2)² × 4

Step-by-Step Solution.

✅ Final Answer. 100

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