answersLogoWhite

0

Because if numerical expressions were simplified in any old order, then different orders would give different answers.

For example,

2+3*5 = 2 + 15 = 17

But if you did it as 2+3*5 = 5*5 = 25


The rules are there to ensure that the same everyone arrives at the same answer every time.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

EzraEzra
Faith is not about having all the answers, but learning to ask the right questions.
Chat with Ezra
BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
More answers

If you do not follow PEMDAS, your answer will be wrong.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
User Avatar

That's because you get DIFFERENT results, depending on which operation you do first. Here is a simple example:1 + 2 x 3

This can either be 9 or 7, depending which you do first.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is order of operations necessary for simplifying numerical expressions?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp