Basic BIDMAS: Brackets First Example
23 October 2026
When your child starts learning about the order of operations in maths, the BIDMAS rule helps them know which part of a calculation to solve first. Brackets are always the first step, so it's important children learn to spot and solve them before moving on.
Worked example
(3 + 5) × 2
First, solve what is inside the brackets: 3 + 5 = 8
Next, multiply the answer by 2: 8 × 2 = 16
The correct answer is 16.
After working through this example, your child will see how brackets come first in BIDMAS questions. They'll be ready to recognise and practise similar problems, building confidence with the basics of order of operations.
