Order of operations PEMDAS practice worksheets for your students. The importance of order of operations cannot be overstated when teaching math. Specifically, a solid understanding will help your student correctly solve math problems and progress in math.
Let’s dive in and then download the printable order of operations worksheets to help your student master the correct order of operations.
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Who’s Aunt Sally?
Ok. So you’re looking for PEDMAS worksheets. Maybe you’re a homeschool mom facing the PEMDAS rules in your child’s math curriculum.
You remember something about that old saying,
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.
But, you’re a little fuzzy on the details.
Or, perhaps you’re a classroom teacher looking for printable order of operations worksheets to help your students.
Whatever the reason, I’m happy you’re here. Let’s dive into this Order of Operation concept and then jump to the printables.
What Are Operations in Math?
When referring to arithmetic operations, we’re referring to various processes used to solve math problems.
We’re all familiar with the basic operations.
- addition (+)
- subtraction (-)
- multiplication (x)
- division (÷)
More complex math operations include:
- Parentheses (Brackets)
- Exponents (Indices) such as squares (52) and cubes
- and don’t forget positive and negative exponents (Yikes!)
As kids progress through math, they’re introduced to the more challenging operations and numbers.
For example, positive and negative numbers.
Progression in Math
As mentioned earlier, when kids begin math, they’re introduced to simple math problems that have one operation.
This occurs whether they’re in homeschool or a traditional classroom.
2 + 2 is an example.
There’s only one operation in this math expression and it’s addition.
However, as kids continue their education, they eventually work on math equations that have multiple operations. Such as,
2 + 2 – (3 x 2)
In this expression, we see four operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and parentheses.
When more than one math operation is added to an equation, the order we process them can give different answers.
Different Answers to the Same Problem
Let’s look at an example.
5 + 4 x 2
If we calculate from left to right, we get the answer 18.
- 5 + 4 = 9
- 9 x 2 = 18
However, if we calculate the problem from right to left, we get the answer 13.
- 2 x 4 = 8
- 8 + 5 = 13
We’ve clearly run into a problem here because in math, we must have one correct answer.
This is when knowing the Order of Operations helps students calculate correctly.
What is The Order of Operations?
In math, just like in English, we have specific rules to help us stay on the same page.
This is why we have a universal rule of the Order of Operations.
When working through any numerical expression, the correct order to process the operations will always be the same.
Remember the acronym PEMDAS and you’re on your way.
PEMDAS stands for the following order of operations.
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication
- Division
- Addition
- Subtraction
So, circling back to our original math equation, 5 + 4 x 2 = 13.
Let’s see why.
When we look at the equation we see two math operations and those are addition and multiplication.
- 4 x 2 = 8
- 8 + 5 = 13
Multiplication is before Addition in our PEMDAS acronym. Therefore, we multiply first and then add.
Note: Multiplication & Division and Addition & Subtraction
Please note that when working on any problem, multiplication and division operations are to be completed in order from left to right.
In other words, think of multiplication and division as equal partners.
- Both yield to the one on the left.
And the same is true for addition and subtraction.
For example. 6 + 2 x 8 – 5 =
We see three operations.
- addition
- subtraction
- multiplication
We know from PEMDAS that we should do the multiplication first.
- 2 x 8 = 16
- We’ve now combined the 2 with the x 8
Now we have 6 + 16 – 5 = as our math problem.
We have two operations left.
- addition
- subtraction
Order of operations tells us that we do addition or subtraction in order from left to right.
In this case, addition is first.
- 6 + 16 = 22
Then we finish our problem by subtracting 5 from that answer.
- 22 – 5 = 17
Math Tip:
Remember, in the order of operations, multiplication/division and addition/subtraction have equal precedence.
- left to right, whichever comes first
PEMDAS Practice Worksheets
Developing your student’s PEMDAS skills will take lots of practice with Order of Operations problems.
In the end, a great way to get this practice is to have several order of operation worksheets on hand for extra practice.
Let’s walk through some FREE printable worksheets to help your student develop this important skill.
Order of Operations Worksheets Review
Each of these PEMDAS practice worksheets is based on whole numbers and will address all six operations in some form.
These worksheets are based on levels and not by grade.
For example,
- Level One worksheets introduce the order of operations with the most gentle math operations.
- Specifically, basic addition and subtraction.
- Level Two includes addition, subtraction, and introduce parentheses
- Like Level One, these worksheets provide a structure for lining up problems properly
- Level Three Order of Operations worksheets add multiplication to the mix
- The first two worksheets of Level 3 contain formatting boxes. Level 3 PEMDAS Worksheet 3 leaves empty space for students to line up problems on their own.
- Level Four Practice Sheets add division operations as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and parentheses.
- Typically, we see the integration of all the operations in 5th or 6th grade
This worksheet provides students with a model of the order of operations.
Additionally, it provides structure that assures kids line up the components of the math problem in the right places.
This is incredibly helpful for kids with ADHD and other executive function challenges.
Related Post:
PEMDAS Practice Problems with Negative Numbers & More
If you’re looking for lots of PEDMAS practice worksheets, check out this fantastic workbook from Humble Math.
The entire Pre-Algebra: Order of Operations (PEMDAS) workbook is filled with Order of Operations practice pages. The math skills included:
- 2 and 3-step problems
- Exponents
- Negative Numbers
- Nested Parentheses
It even builds up to 5 step equations.
In the end, this inexpensive workbook may be perfect for extra practice lessons.
Executive Function and Math Support
When you have your student work through PEMDAS practice worksheets remember that it’s ok to offer extra structure.
Specifically, if you have a student who struggles with Executive Functioning skills:
Allow your child to progress in their math skills while you assist them in the organizational aspect.
They can always work on executive function skills separately and work on integrating them later.
Related Post:
Recap: Order of Operations PEMDAS Practice Worksheets
In the end, using Order of Operations practice worksheets is a great way to strengthen critical thinking and math skills.
Whether your child is in 3rd or 5th grade, is in pre-algebra or Calculus, remembering PEMDAS is crucial to their math success.
Go ahead and download the FREE Order of Operations practice sheets (with answer key) to support your child.
Any questions? Let me know.
In this together!
Download the FREE Order of Operations Pack!
