BODMAS Questions for Class 6: Mastering the Basics of Mathematical Operations

Understanding the order of operations is crucial for solving mathematical expressions correctly, especially when you encounter multiple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For students in Class 6, learning the BODMAS rule sets a strong foundation for more complex problem-solving skills in later grades. This blog will guide you through the importance of BODMAS, provide examples, and share resources like NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths, and Class 6 maths worksheets to reinforce your understanding.

What is BODMAS?

BODMAS is an acronym that helps students remember the correct order of operations in mathematics. It stands for:

  • B - Brackets
  • O - Order (powers and roots, etc.)
  • D - Division
  • M - Multiplication
  • A - Addition
  • S - Subtraction

Using BODMAS helps in solving expressions step-by-step and ensures accurate results. Without this rule, you might add before multiplying or forget to resolve brackets first, leading to incorrect answers.

Why is BODMAS Important for Class 6 Students?

For Class 6 students, the Class 6 syllabus maths introduces basic algebra and arithmetic operations, and understanding BODMAS is essential for managing these topics. Proper knowledge of BODMAS helps students tackle more challenging questions confidently and prepares them for advanced classes. Many NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths and Class 6 maths worksheets include BODMAS-based problems to ensure students grasp the concept thoroughly.

Applying BODMAS: Step-by-Step Approach

To solve an expression using the BODMAS rule, follow these steps:

  1. Start with Brackets: Resolve all expressions inside brackets first. Brackets could be round (parentheses), curly, or square brackets.
  2. Order: Next, solve exponents or roots, if any.
  3. Division and Multiplication: Move on to division and multiplication, working from left to right.
  4. Addition and Subtraction: Finally, perform addition and subtraction, again from left to right.

Example of Applying BODMAS

Consider the following example:

Q: Solve 5 + (8 × 2) - 12 ÷ 4

Solution:

  • Step 1: Resolve the bracket: 8 × 2 = 16
  • Step 2: Substitute into the expression: 5 + 16 - 12 ÷ 4
  • Step 3: Perform division next: 12 ÷ 4 = 3
  • Step 4: Substitute again: 5 + 16 - 3
  • Step 5: Perform addition: 5 + 16 = 21
  • Step 6: Perform subtraction: 21 - 3 = 18

Answer: 18

This systematic approach ensures accuracy and builds a logical flow for solving expressions.

Common Mistakes When Using BODMAS

Even with a solid understanding of BODMAS, students sometimes make mistakes. Here are common errors and how to avoid them:

  1. Ignoring the Left-to-Right Rule: In division and multiplication, or addition and subtraction, always work from left to right.

    • For example, in 20 ÷ 5 × 2, start with 20 ÷ 5 = 4, then 4 × 2 = 8.
  2. Skipping Brackets: Always start with the innermost bracket first. Nested brackets require careful attention.

    • For example, in 2 + [(3 + 4) × 5], solve the inner bracket (3 + 4), then proceed.
  3. Mixing Up Operations: It’s common to mix up operations, especially when working quickly. Practice with Class 6 maths worksheets to build accuracy.

BODMAS Questions in NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths

The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths includes a variety of questions on BODMAS to help students apply the rule in different contexts. These solutions provide step-by-step explanations, allowing students to understand each step thoroughly. For example, some questions in the NCERT textbook ask students to simplify expressions using BODMAS, helping them build confidence and accuracy.

Sample BODMAS Questions for Practice

To get a better grasp of BODMAS, here are some sample questions similar to those found in Class 6 maths worksheets:

Question Solution
1. 8 + (6 × 3) - 12 ÷ 4 Step 1: Brackets → 6 × 3 = 18
Step 2: 8 + 18 - 12 ÷ 4
Step 3: Division → 12 ÷ 4 = 3
Step 4: 8 + 18 - 3 = 23
2. 15 - [10 + (3 × 2)] Step 1: Brackets (inner) → 3 × 2 = 6
Step 2: Brackets (outer) → 10 + 6 = 16
Step 3: 15 - 16 = -1
3. (25 ÷ 5) + (4 × 3) - 2 Step 1: Brackets → 25 ÷ 5 = 5 and 4 × 3 = 12
Step 2: 5 + 12 - 2 = 15
4. 20 - [6 + (8 ÷ 4) × 3] Step 1: Innermost bracket → 8 ÷ 4 = 2
Step 2: 2 × 3 = 6
Step 3: Outer bracket → 6 + 6 = 12
Step 4: 20 - 12 = 8
5. 30 ÷ (2 + 3) × (4 - 1) Step 1: Brackets → 2 + 3 = 5 and 4 - 1 = 3
Step 2: 30 ÷ 5 × 3
Step 3: 6 × 3 = 18

These questions demonstrate how BODMAS is applied and reinforce each step, enhancing understanding.

How Class 6 Maths Worksheets Can Help?

Practicing with Class 6 maths worksheets is one of the most effective ways to master BODMAS. Worksheets offer a range of problems from basic to advanced, allowing students to build their skills progressively. Here’s why worksheets are beneficial:

  1. Diverse Questions: Worksheets include various BODMAS questions, including straightforward calculations and multi-step problems.
  2. Improved Accuracy: Repeated practice minimizes errors, especially common ones like ignoring brackets or the left-to-right rule.
  3. Confidence Building: Regular practice boosts confidence, helping students approach complex expressions without hesitation.

Tips for Solving BODMAS Questions

  1. Write Each Step Clearly: Don’t rush through calculations. Write down each step to avoid mistakes.
  2. Focus on Brackets: Always start with the innermost brackets. Complex expressions often have multiple nested brackets.
  3. Practice with NCERT Solutions: The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths provide a great resource for understanding the logic behind each step.
  4. Review Mistakes: After practicing with worksheets, review any mistakes to understand where you went wrong.

Using NCERT Solutions and Resources for Better Preparation

For Class 6 students, NCERT is the foundation for learning and mastering maths concepts. The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths provide detailed answers to textbook questions, helping students understand BODMAS in a structured way. Additionally, Infinity Learn offers tailored resources, including video lessons, quizzes, and interactive Class 6 maths worksheets, which reinforce concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Conclusion

Mastering BODMAS is a key skill for Class 6 students, setting a strong foundation for future maths topics. With the help of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Maths and regular practice using Class 6 maths worksheets, students can become proficient in solving expressions with multiple operations. At Infinity Learn, we provide comprehensive learning materials, practice questions, and expert guidance to help Class 6 students confidently tackle BODMAS questions and excel in their maths journey.

FAQs

BODMAS stands for Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. It’s a rule that helps you remember the order in which to perform operations in a mathematical expression.

No, BODMAS is a universal rule for solving mathematical expressions. However, when an expression includes operations like division and multiplication (or addition and subtraction), solve them from left to right.

 

No, you must follow the BODMAS rule strictly to get the correct result. Changing the order could lead to an incorrect answer.

 

Understanding BODMAS is crucial because it helps students solve mathematical problems in the correct order, ensuring they get the right answer. It forms the foundation for solving more complex mathematical expressions in higher grades.

A helpful mnemonic to remember BODMAS is:
"Big Old Dogs Must Always Sit"

This will help you recall the order of operations:
Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.