Mastering BIDMAS: Order of Operations Practice for 11+ Maths
19 October 2026
Understanding BIDMAS for 11+ maths
BIDMAS stands for Brackets, Indices, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. It is a simple rule that tells us the correct order to solve mathematical problems. For the 11+ maths exam, understanding BIDMAS is essential because it helps children work through calculations accurately and confidently.
Why order matters
If the order of operations is not followed, answers can easily go wrong. For example, in a question like 2 + 3 × 4, doing the addition first would give a different answer than following BIDMAS. This is why practising the correct order is so important.
A simple worked example
Let's look at (2 + 3) × 4. Step 1: Solve inside the brackets first, 2 + 3 = 5. Step 2: Multiply by 4, so 5 × 4 = 20. The correct answer is 20. This shows how using BIDMAS leads to the right result.
Key insight: Try reading problems out loud with your child and asking which operation comes first. Talking through each step can help them remember the BIDMAS order and spot mistakes before they happen.
Building confidence through practice
Regular practice with BIDMAS helps children avoid common errors and builds their confidence in tackling tricky questions. Over time, they will start to use the order of operations automatically, making maths feel less daunting.
