What is the order of operations with rational expressions?

Question

What is the order of operations with rational expressions?

Answer 1

Remember the artificial word PEMDAS.

First, you take care of the Parentheses.  For example, replace 4(5+x) with 20 + 4x.  Go through ALL parentheses.

Second, you take care of Exponents (or powers).  For example, replace 2^3 with 8.  Go through ALL.

Third, you take care of Multiplications and Divisions.  Go through ALL.

Lastly, you take care of Additions and Subtractions.  Go through ALL.

Note:  Many go left to right in the expression.  A good habit.