Which order of operations do arithmetic operators follow?

The correct ordering of operations for arithmetic operators is that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction. This order is established by mathematical conventions, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). According to this rule, when evaluating expressions, any multiplication or division should be carried out before any addition or subtraction.

For example, in an expression like 3 + 4 × 2, the multiplication (4 × 2) is executed first, resulting in 3 + 8, and then addition is performed, leading to the final result of 11. This systematic approach ensures that mathematical operations are handled consistently and accurately, preventing ambiguity in calculations.

The other choices do not align with the accepted rules of arithmetic and would lead to incorrect results if followed. For instance, stating that addition and subtraction happen first, or evaluating all operations in any order, would conflict with the established hierarchy and lead to confusion in solving mathematical problems.