GED Math Practice Test

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Prepare for the GED Math Test with our comprehensive quiz. Practice with multiple choice questions and get detailed hints and explanations to boost your confidence and skills. Enhance your test readiness today!

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Which of the following sequences represents the correct order of operations?

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Subtraction, Addition, Multiplication, Division

The correct answer is: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction

The correct order of operations is represented by the sequence that begins with Parentheses and Exponents, followed by Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and finally Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This sequence is often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). Following this order ensures that mathematical expressions are evaluated correctly and consistently. For example, in the expression $ 3 + 6 \times (5 + 4) $, you would first calculate the expression within the parentheses, then perform multiplication, and finally addition. This careful adherence to the order of operations is crucial for obtaining the right answer. The other sequences listed do not follow this standard order, which can lead to different results if applied in calculations. Therefore, the correct answer is indeed the one that includes Parentheses and Exponents at the beginning.