Chapter 9 · Questions · page 43 of 68
Do exponents come before multiplication?
Short answerYes. Exponents are done before multiplication and division, unless parentheses say otherwise.
levelPre-algebra
standard6.EE.A.1
practiceOrder of operations
An exponent belongs to the number right under it. In 2 × 3², the square applies to the 3 only, so you square first and multiply after. Parentheses are the only thing that comes earlier.
How to use it
- Find any parentheses and work them out first.
- Apply each exponent to the number or group directly under it.
- Then multiply and divide, then add and subtract.
Example
Where it goes wrong
- Multiplying first: 2 × 3² is not 6² = 36.
- Squaring a whole expression when only the last number is under the exponent.