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1.8 Order of Operation

ORDER OF OPERATION

Some math problems are a mixture of addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. An operation to be performed might be true for one item but not another, so parentheses are used () for clarification.

There is a specific order to follow when making calculations.

The order in which operations are performed is:

  1. Parentheses: ( )
  2. Exponents: 23
  3. Multiplication and division
  4. Addition and subtraction
  5. Left to right

Note: It is always useful to add parentheses to clarify the order.

Example 1 - Solve 10 + 10 ÷ 10

Step 1. Division is performed before addition.
10 ÷ 10 = 1

Step 2. Add.
10 + 1 = 11

10 + 10 ÷ 10 = 11

The same example can be rewritten:
10 + 10 ÷ 10
10 + (10 ÷ 10). Using the parentheses helps clarify the order of operation.

Example 2 - Solve 63 ÷ (10 - 8)2 ÷ 2 + 2

Step 1. Parentheses.
63 ÷ (10 - 8)2 ÷ 2 + 2 = 63 ÷ 22 ÷ 2 + 2

Step 2. Exponents.
216 ÷ 4 ÷ 2 + 2

Step 3. Division in order from left to right.
216 ÷ 4 = 54
54 ÷ 2 = 27

Step 4. Addition.
27 + 2 = 29

63 ÷ (10 - 8)2 ÷ 2 + 2 = 29 

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The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

Date: August 27, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32, NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32, and Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for SCKN includes the Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Book, and job aid were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Status/Check-In Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32

NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32

Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111

The Next Generation Position Task Book and Incident Position Standards are now available for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF)

Date: July 26, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81 and NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81 are now available.

The Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) is responsible for monitoring operations on an incident from a risk management perspective to provide for the welfare of incident resources and the public. The new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort.

References:

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81

NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81

Updated NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

Date: July 25, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

The Incident Planning Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277.

The NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc) establishes the standards for collection and retention of records on wildland fires. This July 2024 update will provide incident management teams the most current standards required to maintain incident records and submit them to host units at the close of an incident.

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NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

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NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standard Request for Comment

Date: July 24, 2024
Contact: Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee has released Equipment Bulletin 24-002 NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment. This bulletin outlines the proposed NWCG OHV typing standard, as well as the business need for establishing the standard. Comments on the proposed standard will be accepted through August 15th using the comment form linked below.

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ETC-EB-2024-02: NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard Comment Form