BODMAS Challenge

BODMAS Challenge problems involve complex arithmetic expressions with multiple brackets, nested parentheses, and various operations (+, -, ×, ÷). You must apply BODMAS rules correctly to simplify the expression. These problems test advanced order of operations skills and attention to detail.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
HardDifficulty
3-4 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to BODMAS Challenge

BODMAS Challenge problems involve complex arithmetic expressions with multiple brackets, nested parentheses, and various operations (+, -, ×, ÷). You must apply BODMAS rules correctly to simplify the expression. These problems test advanced order of operations skills and attention to detail.

Prerequisites

BODMAS/PEMDAS rules Bracket evaluation (nested) Operator precedence Multi-step arithmetic calculations
Why This Matters: BODMAS Challenge problems appear in 1-2 questions in Banking PO mains and SSC CGL exams. They test advanced order of operations and bracket handling.

How to Solve BODMAS Challenge Problems

1

Step 1: Identify all brackets in the expression

2

Step 2: Work from the innermost brackets outward

3

Step 3: Within each bracket, follow BODMAS (× and ÷ before + and -)

4

Step 4: After brackets are resolved, evaluate the remaining expression

5

Step 5: Perform multiplication and division from left to right

6

Step 6: Perform addition and subtraction from left to right

7

Step 7: Track intermediate results carefully

8

Step 8: Present the simplified answer

Pro Strategy: Always start with the innermost brackets. Work outward step by step. Within each bracket, follow the same BODMAS rules. Keep track of intermediate results to avoid errors.

Example Problem

Example: Simplify: 5 + [3 × (2 + 4) - 8] ÷ 2 Solution: Step 1: Innermost bracket: (2 + 4) = 6 Step 2: Next: 3 × 6 = 18 Step 3: Then: 18 - 8 = 10 Step 4: Then: 10 ÷ 2 = 5 Step 5: Then: 5 + 5 = 10 Answer: 10

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Different bracket types: ( ), { }, [ ] all have the same meaning
  • Innermost brackets are those without any other brackets inside
  • Simplify step by step, rewriting the expression after each step
  • Be careful with negative numbers when subtracting
  • Division before subtraction can significantly affect results
  • Double-check each calculation before moving to the next step

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Brackets → Orders (powers) → Division/Multiplication → Addition/Subtraction
Within brackets, apply the same order
Multiplication and division: left to right
Addition and subtraction: left to right
Nested brackets: innermost first

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Evaluating brackets in wrong order (outer before inner)
Forgetting BODMAS inside brackets
Performing addition before multiplication outside brackets
Not tracking negative signs correctly

Exam Importance

BODMAS Challenge is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master BODMAS Challenge?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
Start Practicing Now