Maths Guru
English | हिन्दी

BODMAS Games for Kids

BODMAS is the rule that tells us which part of a calculation to do first, so everyone gets the same answer. Maths Guru turns brackets and operation order into quick rounds that begin with tiny numbers and grow into multi-bracket puzzles.

Play now

What BODMAS really means

BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders (powers), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. It tells us the order in which to work out a calculation with more than one operation. Calculate what is inside brackets first, then division and multiplication, and finally addition and subtraction. Division and multiplication share equal rank, as do addition and subtraction, and these are done from left to right.

Without a rule, 5 + 3 × 4 could mean (5 + 3) × 4 = 32 or 5 + (3 × 4) = 17. BODMAS says multiplication comes before addition, so the correct answer is 17. Brackets can change the order: (5 + 3) × 4 = 32.

In Maths Guru, the questions use brackets together with the four operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide). The aim is for children to understand why order matters and to see brackets as a way of grouping a calculation.

Common mistakes to watch for

The most common mistake is working strictly left to right. With 5 + 3 × 4, many children first add 5 + 3 to get 8 and then multiply by 4 to get 32. The multiplication has to come first, giving 5 + 12 = 17.

Another is believing multiplication always comes before division and addition before subtraction. They are partners with equal rank, and we work left to right. So 24 ÷ 6 × 2 is 4 × 2 = 8, not 24 ÷ 12 = 2.

Children also forget that brackets are done first even when they come later in the sum, as in 20 − (6 + 4) = 10. And with two sets of brackets, such as (2 + 3) × (6 − 2), they might mix the numbers across them. Working out each bracket separately (5 and 4) and then multiplying (20) avoids this.

How to practise at home

Make a habit of asking "what do we do first?" before any calculation. Underline the part that comes first, and rewrite the sum with that part solved. This slow, tidy approach prevents most slips.

Create real stories that need brackets. "Two friends each buy a 5 rupee pencil and a 3 rupee rubber" becomes 2 × (5 + 3) = 16, while 2 × 5 + 3 is a different story. Contrast the answers to show that brackets change the meaning.

Use a mnemonic such as "Big Owls Don't Make Any Sound", or simply the word BODMAS written on a card. Make up your own challenge: write a number sentence such as 3 + 4 × 2 and ask your child to place brackets to make it equal 14, then 11.

How Maths Guru teaches BODMAS

The Brackets Chawk island in Conquer the World is dedicated to BODMAS and is open to every year group, including Year 1 to 2. At the lowest levels, the numbers are tiny, such as (2 + 3) × 2. Higher levels bring subtraction and division inside brackets, such as (18 − 6) ÷ 3, then brackets on both sides such as (2 + 3) × (6 − 2), and finally a division by a bracket.

BODMAS questions also appear in Time Skip's Advanced tier, in Number Kingdoms when you claim an Observatory, and in Classroom quizzes. Maths Guru's BODMAS covers brackets with the four operations; powers (orders) are not tested.

Worked examples

(3 + 4) × 2

Answer: 14

Do the bracket first: 3 + 4 = 7. Then multiply: 7 × 2 = 14.

5 + (3 × 4)

Answer: 17

Do the bracket first: 3 × 4 = 12. Then add: 5 + 12 = 17.

20 − (6 + 4)

Answer: 10

The bracket is 6 + 4 = 10. Then 20 − 10 = 10.

(18 − 6) ÷ 3

Answer: 4

The bracket is 18 − 6 = 12. Then 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

(2 + 3) × (6 − 2)

Answer: 20

First bracket: 2 + 3 = 5. Second bracket: 6 − 2 = 4. Then 5 × 4 = 20.

(5 × 4) − (3 + 2)

Answer: 15

First bracket: 5 × 4 = 20. Second bracket: 3 + 2 = 5. Then 20 − 5 = 15.

Tips for parents

  • Before calculating, always ask: what is the first thing to do?
  • Underline the bracket, solve it, and rewrite the sum on the next line.
  • Remember equal-ranked operations (× and ÷, + and −) go left to right.
  • Show how brackets change the meaning with shopping stories.
  • Test yourself with the same numbers placed in different brackets and compare the answers.

Practise it in these games

Questions parents ask

What does BODMAS stand for?

Brackets, Orders (powers), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. The same idea is called BIDMAS in some UK schools and PEMDAS in the US.

Does Maths Guru cover powers in BODMAS?

No. Maths Guru's BODMAS questions use brackets with the four operations, which is the core skill for ages 6 to 11.

When do children learn BODMAS?

Formal order of operations is usually taught in Class 5 to 6 (Year 5 to 6), but simple bracket questions are suitable earlier. Maths Guru's island starts with very small numbers for younger children.

More maths skills

Play now