Mixed Operations (Grade 4)
Mixed operations means using more than one arithmetic operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) in a single problem. In Class 4, you learn to solve expressions with two or more operations using the correct order of operations.
The order matters because doing operations in the wrong sequence gives the wrong answer. For example, 3 + 4 × 2 equals 11, not 14.
What is Mixed Operations - Class 4 Maths (Operations)?
The order of operations (also called BODMAS/DMAS) tells which operation to do first:
B → Brackets first
O → Orders (powers)
D/M → Division and Multiplication (left to right)
A/S → Addition and Subtraction (left to right)
In Class 4, you mainly use: Brackets → Multiplication/Division → Addition/Subtraction.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: Multiplication Before Addition
Problem: Find 5 + 3 × 4.
Solution:
Step 1: Do multiplication first: 3 × 4 = 12
Step 2: Then add: 5 + 12 = 17
Answer: 17
Example 2: Example 2: Division Before Subtraction
Problem: Find 20 − 12 ÷ 3.
Solution:
Step 1: Division first: 12 ÷ 3 = 4
Step 2: Subtract: 20 − 4 = 16
Answer: 16
Example 3: Example 3: Brackets First
Problem: Find (8 + 2) × 5.
Solution:
Step 1: Brackets first: 8 + 2 = 10
Step 2: Multiply: 10 × 5 = 50
Answer: 50
Example 4: Example 4: All Four Operations
Problem: Find 36 ÷ 6 + 4 × 3 − 2.
Solution:
Step 1: Division: 36 ÷ 6 = 6
Step 2: Multiplication: 4 × 3 = 12
Step 3: Left to right: 6 + 12 − 2 = 16
Answer: 16
Example 5: Example 5: Brackets with Multiple Operations
Problem: Find (15 − 7) × (3 + 2).
Solution:
Step 1: First bracket: 15 − 7 = 8
Step 2: Second bracket: 3 + 2 = 5
Step 3: Multiply: 8 × 5 = 40
Answer: 40
Example 6: Example 6: Word Problem
Problem: Ria bought 5 pens at ₹12 each and 3 notebooks at ₹25 each. How much did she spend?
Solution:
Step 1: Cost of pens: 5 × 12 = ₹60
Step 2: Cost of notebooks: 3 × 25 = ₹75
Step 3: Total: 60 + 75 = ₹135
Answer: Ria spent ₹135.
Example 7: Example 7: Without Brackets vs With Brackets
Problem: Compare 8 + 4 × 3 and (8 + 4) × 3.
Solution:
Without brackets: 8 + 4 × 3 = 8 + 12 = 20
With brackets: (8 + 4) × 3 = 12 × 3 = 36
Answer: The answers are different. Brackets change the order.
Example 8: Example 8: Fill in the Operation
Problem: 24 ___ 6 ___ 3 = 7. Find the operations.
Solution:
Try: 24 ÷ 6 + 3 = 4 + 3 = 7 ✓
Answer: 24 ÷ 6 + 3 = 7
Example 9: Example 9: Multi-step Calculation
Problem: Find 100 − 8 × 6 + 24 ÷ 4.
Solution:
Step 1: Multiplication: 8 × 6 = 48
Step 2: Division: 24 ÷ 4 = 6
Step 3: Left to right: 100 − 48 + 6 = 58
Answer: 58
Key Points to Remember
- Always follow the order of operations: Brackets → Multiply/Divide → Add/Subtract.
- Brackets are always done first.
- Multiplication and Division come before Addition and Subtraction.
- Operations of the same priority (e.g., × and ÷) are done left to right.
- Brackets can change the result significantly.
- Write each step clearly to avoid mistakes.
Practice Problems
- Find 7 + 6 × 3.
- Find 48 ÷ 8 − 2 + 5.
- Find (9 − 3) × (4 + 2).
- Find 100 − 5 × 10 + 20 ÷ 4.
- Rahul bought 4 bananas at ₹8 each and a juice for ₹35. What is the total?
- Compare: 12 + 8 ÷ 4 and (12 + 8) ÷ 4.
- Fill in: 30 ___ 5 ___ 2 = 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is BODMAS?
BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. It tells the order in which operations should be performed in an expression.
Q2. Why does the order of operations matter?
Different orders give different answers. 3 + 4 × 2 = 11 (correct, multiplication first), but if you add first: (3+4) × 2 = 14 (different). The standard order ensures everyone gets the same answer.
Q3. What comes first: multiplication or division?
Neither has priority over the other. Multiplication and division are done left to right, in the order they appear. For example, 12 ÷ 3 × 2 = 4 × 2 = 8.
Q4. What comes first: addition or subtraction?
Neither. Addition and subtraction are done left to right. For example, 10 − 3 + 4 = 7 + 4 = 11.
Q5. How do brackets change the answer?
Brackets force the operations inside them to be done first, overriding the normal order. 2 + 3 × 5 = 17, but (2 + 3) × 5 = 25.
Q6. What if there are brackets inside brackets?
Work from the innermost brackets outward. This is studied in more detail in Class 5.
Q7. Is mixed operations part of NCERT Class 4?
Yes, solving expressions with more than one operation and understanding the order of operations is part of the CBSE/NCERT Class 4 curriculum.
Q8. How can I avoid mistakes in mixed operations?
Write each step on a new line. First identify and solve brackets, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction. Never try to do everything in one step.
