Question

Using complete sentences, explain what might happen if the order of operations was used to solve a literal equation.

Answer 1

Take for example, 1 + 3 x 2 - 5.
If you did this left to right you would get 3.
Following the order of operations you would multiply the three by the two first leaving you with a simplified version of 1 + 6 - 5 which you then figure as 7 - 5 = 2.
So it's important to have a universal set of rules that everyone in the world adheres to so we call come out with the same answer. Math is not necessarily like reading, you don't necessarily go from left to right.