ZestExam

BODMAS

CISF Constable · Quantitative Aptitude

Also prepare for:CRPF Const BSF Const ITBP Const UP Const

← Simplification & Approximation Surds & Indices →

💡

Core Concept

Read this first — the foundation of the topic

💡Key Rules

Division and Multiplication have equal priority - solve whichever comes first from left to right. Same applies to Addition and Subtraction. Always complete one bracket fully before moving to the next. When you have nested brackets, solve the innermost bracket first

🔑Formula Sequence

B → O → DM (left to right) → AS (left to right) SSC CGL regularly tests BODMAS in 2-3 questions per paper

📋Common patterns include

Complex expressions with all operations mixed together. Nested brackets with multiple levels. Fraction expressions requiring BODMAS application. Word problems disguised as BODMAS questions.

Questions with deliberate traps to test if you know the correct sequence

⚡Powerful Shortcut

Use the BRACKET-FIRST technique. When you see a complex expression, immediately identify and mark all brackets with different colors or underlines. Solve the deepest nested bracket first, then work outward. This prevents confusion and saves time.

✏️

Worked Example

Solve this step-by-step before moving on

1

Step 1

Handle Brackets first. Inside bracket: 15 - 3² = 15 - 9 = 6

2

Step 2

Expression becomes 48 ÷ 8 + 3 × 6 + 2

3

Step 3

Division first (left to right): 48 ÷ 8 = 6

4

Step 4

Expression becomes 6 + 3 × 6 + 2

5

Step 5

Multiplication next: 3 × 6 = 18

6

Step 6

Expression becomes 6 + 18 + 2

7

Step 7

Addition left to right: 6 + 18 + 2 = 26 Final Answer: 26 Another Time-Saving Trick: When dealing with fractions, treat the numerator and denominator as separate BODMAS problems. Solve each completely, then divide. Common Mistake: Students often solve operations left to right without following BODMAS priority. For example, in 2 + 3 × 4, wrong approach gives (2 + 3) × 4 = 20, but correct BODMAS gives 2 + (3 × 4) = 14. Another trap is forgetting that Division and Multiplication are equal priority, same with Addition and Subtraction.

🔑 Key Points

BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Division and Multiplication have equal priority - solve left to right
Addition and Subtraction have equal priority - solve left to right
Always solve brackets first, starting with innermost nested brackets
Orders include squares, cubes, square roots, and all indices
Apply BODMAS to both numerator and denominator separately in fractions
Left to right rule applies only within operations of same priority
Complete one bracket entirely before moving to operations outside it

📌 Exam Facts

BODMAS sequence is: Brackets → Orders → Division/Multiplication → Addition/Subtraction
Division and Multiplication are solved left to right with equal priority
Addition and Subtraction are solved left to right with equal priority
Square root symbol acts as both bracket and order operation
In nested brackets, innermost bracket is solved first
Powers/indices are solved before multiplication even when multiplication appears first
Fraction bar acts as a grouping symbol like brackets

🚀 60-Second Revision

Remember: B-O-DM-AS sequence with left-to-right for equal priorities
Trap: Division and Multiplication are equal - don't always do division first
Technique: Mark all brackets first, solve innermost to outermost
Formula: Treat fraction numerator and denominator as separate BODMAS problems
Shortcut: Complete each bracket fully before moving outside
Warning: Addition and Subtraction are equal priority - solve left to right

🎯

Test yourself under real exam conditions

A timed CISF Constable mock shows exactly how BODMAS questions appear in the actual paper — and where you lose marks.

Take Free Mock Test →Practice Panel

✓ Free mock✓ Instant percentile✓ AI Battle Plan after test