Start at the beginning of the flowchart. This is represented by a rectangle with circular edges. For this example, assume a rectangle with circular edges contains the statement "three times two plus one."
Move onto the next part of the flowchart following the lines. If the next step is a diamond, you need to make a decision and can go either one way or another. These decisions are typically yes or no. In the example, assume the first box is a diamond that says, "Is there multiplication in the problem?" You would choose the "Yes" path.
Move to the next spot on the flowchart. If the box is a rectangle, you have a process to perform. In the example, next on the "Yes" path is a process chart saying "perform multiplication." So, you would perform three times two, which equals six. Your equation is then six plus two.
Continue down the chart until you get to another rectangle with circular edges. This is the stopping point. In the example, at the stopping point, you will have the answer eight.