The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us the correct sequence to solve mathematical problems with more than one operation (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). It ensures everyone gets the same answer.
In the problem 2 + 3 × 4, if you didn't follow the order of operations, you might add 2 + 3 first (5), then multiply by 4 (20). But the correct order says to multiply first: 3 × 4 = 12, then add 2 + 12 = 14. A common way to remember the order is PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).