Order of Operations Practice for 11+ Maths: A Parent's Guide to BIDMAS
19 October 2026
Understanding BIDMAS
BIDMAS stands for Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. It is the order in which operations must be carried out in maths questions. For the 11+, children are expected to apply these rules confidently to avoid mistakes.
Why order matters in 11+ maths
Many 11+ questions use the order of operations, sometimes directly and sometimes hidden in word problems. If children do not follow BIDMAS, they risk getting the wrong answer, even if their calculations are correct.
Common mistakes to watch for
Children often work left to right and forget to use BIDMAS. Brackets are sometimes ignored, or division and multiplication are not treated as equal. Encourage your child to slow down and check the order before solving.
How to practise at home
Use short practice questions that mix different operations. Ask your child to explain each step out loud. If they make a mistake, revisit the rule together and try a similar question for extra practice.
Key insight: Confidence with BIDMAS grows through regular, focused practice. Small errors are common at first, but careful checking and discussion help children improve accuracy and avoid losing marks on straightforward questions.
