To help remember the order of operations, 8th graders can use the word BODMAS (or BIDMAS). Here’s what each letter means:

• B - Brackets
• O - Orders (which means powers and roots)
• D - Division
• M - Multiplication
• A - Addition
• S - Subtraction

Step-by-Step Example:

Let's take the math expression $3 + 6 \times (5 + 4) ÷ 3^2$ and break it down:

1. Brackets: First, add $5 + 4$. This equals $9$.
2. Orders: Next, calculate $3^2$. This equals $9$.
3. Division/Multiplication: Now, do $6 \times 9 ÷ 9$.
4. Addition/Subtraction: Finally, add $3 + 6$. This equals $9$.

Using BODMAS helps make math problems simpler and more organized!