Blog # 7- Order of Operations

Grade Level: 5th

Standard: NY.5.OA.1

This standard states, 

Write and interpret numerical expressions - Apply the order of operations to evaluate numerical expressions. 

I have always enjoyed reading a mathematical expression and having to solve figure out which operations to complete first. It is almost like a puzzle to read the expression and then follow the "P E M/D A/S" rule. PEMDAS is an acronym for the words parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.

For solving questions that requires the order of operations, such as (5+2^2) x 32, we would look at the inside of parentheses first and then solve the exponents if there are any which in this case I do. So then it would look like (5+4) x 32. Next, the parentheses is still unsolved so we would find the sum for it which is 9. The rules needs to be followed left to right always. Then the expression would be 9x32. There are no more parentheses, exponents, or any other operations left so all that's left is to find the product. The answer becomes 288. 

I would teach fifth graders similarly, but start off by explaining how there are different brackets and parentheses like [ ] versus ( ) in which the latter should be solved first and then work your way out of the brackets. Students would benefit from a powerpoint presentation or even seeing this worked out on a dry-erase board where it is easier to model the question and students can solve using their own boards. 

I like this worksheet above as it included some challenging questions that requires students to remember to follow the order of operations. In some cases, there are two parentheses but you still have to solve from left to right. This worksheet is also helpful because it has a Remember section for students to recall what the acronym means and how each symbol looks like.