Multiplication comes first: understanding the order of operations in 5 + 3 × 2

What comes first in 5 + 3 × 2? Let’s untangle this together.

If you’ve ever watched a clock tick through a long algebra problem, you know that math has its own rhythm. On the HSPT, you’ll see questions that test not just quick numbers, but a certain calm approach to the order of operations. The little rules you learn here show up again and again, like a map you can trust when you’re navigating a tricky city street. So, let’s break down the idea behind this simple expression and why multiplication leads the way.

First, a quick moment to anchor the basics

Here’s the thing about order of operations: certain operations get done before others. It’s not random; there’s a method behind the sequence. If you try to rush or jump around, you’ll often end up with a result that feels off, kind of like misreading a recipe and adding salt where sugar should go.

To keep everyone aligned, many teachers and test-makers use PEMDAS as a handy reminder:

• P: Parentheses

• E: Exponents

• M/D: Multiplication and Division (from left to right)

• A/S: Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

A small footprint, big effect

You might be thinking, “Why not just add first and multiply later?” The short answer is: the rules are designed to keep math consistent for everyone. If two people solved the same problem with different orders, they’d end up with two different answers. That’s confusing and unsatisfying in a subject that’s supposed to be precise. So multiplication and division get priority over addition and subtraction, as long as there aren’t parentheses to tell us otherwise.

Now, apply the rule to the example

Let’s look at the expression you asked about: 5 + 3 × 2.

• The multiplication goes first (3 × 2 = 6).

• Then you add 5: 5 + 6 = 11.

So, the correct option is C. Multiplication. The neat thing here is to see how a single step—multiplying 3 by 2—clears the path for the next step, the addition. It’s like clearing a small obstacle on a hiking trail so you can finish the climb with more clarity.

A friendly way to remember

If PEMDAS feels a little abstract, here are a couple of mental tricks that can help without bogging you down in jargon:

• See the bigger operations first: spot any multiplication or division as you read left to right, then tackle addition and subtraction.

• Watch for parentheses: they’re the fastest shortcut to changing the order. If something’s inside parentheses, you do that part first, even if it’s a plus or a minus.

• Treat mistakes as a clue, not a defeat: if your answer doesn’t match, recheck the order. It’s usually a little misstep in the sequence.

A few real-world echoes

Think of this like cooking. If you’re making a dish that includes both sautéing and stirring in sauce, you might sauté the vegetables first and then fold in the sauce. If you mix in the sauce before the vegetables are ready, you’ll miss texture and flavor. In math, the “texture” is the clean, agreed-upon result. The “flavor” is how confident you feel when you see a problem and know exactly what to do first.

Let me explain with a couple more quick examples

• Example 1: 4 + 6 × 2

• Do the multiplication first: 6 × 2 = 12

• Then add: 4 + 12 = 16

• Result: 16

• Example 2: 8 − 3 × 2

• Multiplication first: 3 × 2 = 6

• Then subtraction: 8 − 6 = 2

• Result: 2

• Example 3 (a tougher moment): (8 + 2) × 3

• Here the parentheses flip the usual rhythm: add first inside the parentheses, 8 + 2 = 10

• Then multiply: 10 × 3 = 30

• Result: 30

Seeing how the parentheses can rearrange the flow reminds us that the rules aren’t rigid just for the sake of it—they’re a language we all share for clear math talk.

Common traps that trip people up (and how to avoid them)

• The plus-and-times mix: Many people instinctively reach for the addition first because it’s the last operator they see. Don’t do that. Remember: multiplication has priority over addition unless parentheses say otherwise.

• Skipping steps in your head: It’s easy to think “5 plus 3 is 8” and then multiply by 2. That’s a trap. Go step by step, even if it’s in your head, and check each move.

• Overlooking left-to-right rules: If you have several multiplications and divisions in a row, take them from left to right. The same goes for additions and subtractions. Following the left-to-right flow keeps you grounded.

A practical little toolkit for quick checks

• Read the problem once, then scan for any parentheses. If you see them, do that inner work first.

• Identify the high-priority operators (multiplication/division) and do those before additions/subtractions when no parentheses guide you.

• If you’re unsure, rewrite the expression in your own words or on paper with each step. A small scratch work pad can save you big time on a timed question.

Connecting back to the bigger picture

On tests like the HSPT, you’ll encounter many problems that hinge on this exact idea: doing the right operation at the right time. This isn’t about speed alone; it’s about a steady, methodical approach that minimizes mistakes. When you can recognize the pattern quickly, you free up mental space to handle trickier problems—like those that involve more steps, fractions, or even simple algebra later on.

A little practice, a lot of clarity

If you’re ever unsure about an expression, a good habit is to rewrite it with the operations in their natural order and show the intermediate results. For example, with 5 + 3 × 2:

• Step 1: Multiply 3 × 2 to get 6

• Step 2: Add 5 to 6 to get 11

This kind of transparent thinking helps you see where the order matters, and it’s exactly the kind of reasoning that makes math feel less abstract and more like solving a small puzzle.

A quick, gentle challenge for today

Take a moment to test your intuition with a handful of short expressions. See how the order changes the result:

• 7 + 4 × 3

• (7 + 4) × 3

• 12 ÷ 4 × 2

• 5 × 2 + 8

Work these out on paper, then check your results against the rule. You’ll likely notice the same pattern every time: multiplication first, then addition or subtraction, unless parentheses say otherwise.

A closing thought

Mathematics rewards calm and disciplined reasoning. The moment you pause to identify the priority, you nail down a path to the answer with confidence. The 5 + 3 × 2 example isn’t just a test question—it’s a small reminder of how language and rules come together to make numbers behave in predictable, satisfying ways. When you keep that in mind, even the trickiest-looking problems start to feel a little more friendly.

If you ever want to talk through other examples or explore how similar rules show up in different math topics, I’m here to wander through the ideas with you. The more you see these patterns in action, the more natural they’ll feel when you encounter them on any problem that comes your way.