Order of Operations:

To simplify the expression follow the order of operations: (PEMDAS)

1.      Evaluate the expressions inside the Parenthesis/Brackets (P).

2.      Evaluate Powers/Exponents (E).

3.      Multiply and/or Divide in order from left to right (MD).

4.      Add and/or Subtract in order from left to right (AS). 

A simple technique for remembering the order of operations is turned

into phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunty Sally".

The expression is .

               (Replace a with 2)

First operation is subtraction.

                  (Subtract: )

Next operation is multiplication.

                            (Multiply: )

The value is 36.