BODMAS Rule
SSC GD Exam - Quantitative Aptitude
1. What is BODMAS?
BODMAS stands for the order of operations used to solve mathematical expressions correctly. When multiple operations (like +, –, ×, ÷, brackets, etc.) occur together, we must follow a specific sequence.
Key Concept:
BODMAS ensures everyone solves mathematical expressions in the same way and gets the same
correct answer.
2. Full Form of BODMAS
| Letter | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| B | Brackets | ( ), { }, [ ] |
| O | Order (Powers, Roots, etc.) | 2³, √4 |
| D | Division | ÷ |
| M | Multiplication | × |
| A | Addition | + |
| S | Subtraction | – |
BODMAS Rule
Brackets → Orders → Division → Multiplication → Addition → Subtraction
3. Types of Brackets
| Bracket Type | Symbol | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Parentheses | ( ) | 1st |
| Curly Brackets | { } | 2nd |
| Square Brackets | [ ] | 3rd |
⚠️ Important: When multiple brackets are used, solve from inside out.
4. Example of BODMAS in Action
10 + (6 ÷ 2 × 3)
Step 1: Brackets first → inside (6 ÷ 2 × 3)
= 10 + (3 × 3)
Step 2: Continue inside brackets
= 10 + 9
Step 3: Final addition
✅ Answer = 19
5. Importance in Exams
In SSC and Police exams, questions often test your understanding of operation priority
A small mistake in order (like adding before multiplying) can lead to wrong answers
Helps in solving complex simplification problems quickly and accurately
Common Mistake Example
8 + 2 × 3 = ?
Wrong: 8 + 2 = 10 × 3 = 30 ❌
Correct: 2 × 3 = 6 + 8 = 14 ✅
6. Quick Recap
| Concept | Summary |
|---|---|
| BODMAS | Defines order of operations |
| First Priority | Brackets |
| Then | Orders (powers/roots) |
| Then | Division → Multiplication → Addition → Subtraction |
| Common Mistake | Doing addition before multiplication |
| Exam Tip | Always solve step-by-step and use brackets carefully |
7. Practice Questions
Test your knowledge with these practice questions. Click on "View Answer" to check your understanding.
Q1. 8 + 2 × 3 = ?
View Answer
8 + (2×3) = 8 + 6 = 14 ✅
Q2. (6 + 4) × 2 = ?
View Answer
10 × 2 = 20 ✅
Q3. 20 – 12 ÷ 3 = ?
View Answer
20 – (4) = 16 ✅
Q4. 10 + 6 × (4 – 2) = ?
View Answer
10 + 6×2 = 10 + 12 = 22 ✅
Q5. 25 ÷ 5 × 2 = ?
View Answer
(5 × 2) = 10 ✅
Q6. (8 + 2) × (5 – 3) = ?
View Answer
(10 × 2) = 20 ✅
Q7. 50 – [10 + 2 × (6 – 3)] = ?
View Answer
50 – [10 + 2×3] = 50 – (10 + 6) = 50 – 16 = 34 ✅
Q8. 12 ÷ 4 + 3 × 2 = ?
View Answer
3 + 6 = 9 ✅
Q9. (15 – 5) × (3 + 2) = ?
View Answer
(10 × 5) = 50 ✅
Q10. {8 + [6 × (4 – 2)]} = ?
View Answer
{8 + [6×2]} = 8 + 12 = 20 ✅
Q11. 30 ÷ 5 × (2 + 1) = ?
View Answer
(6 × 3) = 18 ✅
Q12. 40 – 8 ÷ 4 + 2 = ?
View Answer
40 – 2 + 2 = 40 ✅
Q13. (10 – 3)² ÷ 7 = ?
View Answer
(7²)/7 = 49/7 = 7 ✅
Q14. 16 ÷ 2(2 + 2) = ?
View Answer
16 ÷ 2×4 = 8×4 = 32 ✅
Q15. [9 + 3 × {8 – (6 ÷ 3)}] = ?
View Answer
[9 + 3 × {8 – 2}] = [9 + 3×6] = 9 + 18 = 27 ✅
✅ Exam Strategy Tip
🟢 Always start with innermost brackets first and work outwards
🟢 Remember DMAS order: Division and Multiplication before Addition and Subtraction
🟢 For operations of same priority, work from left to right
🟢 Practice with complex bracket combinations to build speed
You've completed BODMAS Rule Concepts!
Courage Tip: Mastering BODMAS is crucial for solving complex mathematical expressions accurately in competitive exams. Practice regularly with different types of bracket combinations and remember that the order of operations is non-negotiable. Always solve step by step and double-check your work, especially when dealing with multiple brackets and operations of different priorities.
Master BODMAS Rule for Competitive Exams!
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