PERT Practice Test 2026 – Complete Guide for Exam Prep

In the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), parentheses are the first mathematical operation that should be addressed. This means any calculations inside parentheses are performed before any other operations.

When there are expressions contained within parentheses, evaluating them first is crucial because it allows for proper grouping of terms and ensures that the subsequent operations follow the intended structure of the mathematical expression. This order helps avoid confusion and maintains the correct hierarchy necessary for solving equations accurately.

The other operations like subtraction, addition, and multiplication come into play after resolving any expressions in parentheses, which underscores the importance of addressing parentheses first.