Find the Mistake in BIDMAS: Step-by-Step Example
22 October 2026
Children often make mistakes with the order of operations in maths. It helps to learn how to spot where something has gone wrong, so you can fix it together.
Worked example
Find the mistake in this sum:
3 + 4 × 2 = 14
Step 1: Look at the order of operations. BIDMAS tells us to do multiplication before addition.
Step 2: Multiply first. 4 × 2 = 8
Step 3: Add next. 3 + 8 = 11
The correct answer is 11.
Now your child can see how to check each step and find where a mistake was made. They will be ready to try similar BIDMAS questions and build their confidence.
