ONLINE TUTORIAL LESSONS

GRADE 7

Law of Precedence / Priority

Law of precedence or priority

Law of precedence or priority is used when simplifying a mathematical sentence made up

of two or more operating signs.

What does Law of precedence say?

1. Generally Law of precedence says multiplication and division are carried first before
addition and subtraction.

2. Please note ( - and + ) carry same priority and also (x and ÷) carry same priority.

3. Where signs which carry same priority are used are used, simplify the question as it
is from the left to right.

4. Our syllabus does not allow use of BOMDAS. Instead it encourages use of law of
precedence.

5. Learners are not advised to create their own sentences in this case.

6. The ÷ can be safely replaced with an over sign to minimise confusion in learners.

7. Where brackets are given, you are asked to simplify what the brackets hold first.

For daily online work contact us on

onias909@gmail.com or WhatsApp 0777 704 393
Magunje Barracks Primary School
 Examples

1. 10 – 7 + 5 (both signs carry same priority) or 10 + 5 -7

= 3+5 = 15 – 7
= 8 = 8
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2. 7 – 10 + 5 (both signs carry same priority) or 7 – 10 + 5

= -3+5 = 7 + 5 - 10
= 2 = 2
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3. 7 + 6 x 3 ( multiplication carry first priority)

= 7 + (6 x 3)
= 7 + 18
= 25
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4. 20 ÷ 4 – 3 ( division carry first priority)

= (20 ÷ 4) -3
= 5–3
= 2
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5. 4 x 6 ÷ 3 ( both signs carry same priority or = 4 x 6 ÷ 3

𝟔
= 24 ÷ 3 = 4x 𝟑
= 8 = 4x2
= 8
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6. 18 ÷ 9 x 2 ( both signs carry same priority) or 18 ÷ 9 x 2

𝟏𝟖
= 2x2 = x2
𝟗
= 4 = 2x2
= 4
Or
18 ÷ 9 x 2 18 ÷ 9 x 2
𝟏𝟖 𝒙 𝟐
= 18 x 2 ÷ 9 = 𝟗
= 36 ÷ 9
= 4
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7 9 x 3 – 12 ÷ 2 (division and multiplication carry first priority)

= (9 x 3) – (12 ÷ 2)
= 27 – 6
= 21

For daily online work contact us on

onias909@gmail.com or WhatsApp 0777 704 393
Magunje Barracks Primary School