1. The problem is to understand the order of operations in mathematics. 2. The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us the sequence in which to perform operations in a mathematical expression to get the correct result. 3. The common rule is PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). 4. For example, in the expression $3 + 4 \times 2$, multiplication comes before addition, so first calculate $4 \times 2 = 8$, then add $3 + 8 = 11$. 5. If parentheses are present, solve the operations inside them first. For example, in $(3 + 4) \times 2$, first calculate $3 + 4 = 7$, then multiply $7 \times 2 = 14$. 6. Always follow this order to avoid mistakes in calculations. 7. Summary: Parentheses > Exponents > Multiplication/Division > Addition/Subtraction. 8. This ensures consistent and correct results in all mathematical expressions.