Order of Operations

When we talk to each other we need to have a common understanding of what the language means. It’s the same in mathematics. We need to have rules in mathematics so everyone can understand what other people are doing. The agreed order of operations is: Brackets Indices  Division  Multiplication  Addition Subtraction.

Draw arrows to match the calculations to the correct answers. One is done for you. Which pairs of expressions have the same answer? Why?

Make your own table with similar calculations and then exchange it so you each solve a puzzle created by another learner.

Now for the really challenging question: If there are 3 operations, as in this case, how many different ways can you put in brackets, and what about the number of different ways of putting in brackets for 4, 5 and 6 operations and more?

Click here to download the Order of Operations worksheet.

Cut out the cards on pages 2, 3 and 4 of the worksheet.

Match the cards into pairs with each calculation matched to its answer.

BIDMAS GAME

This is a Pelmanism type game.

For two players, use the first set of cards cut out from the worksheet and put them on a table face down. Players take turns to turn over two cards. If the cards chosen are a pair then the player keeps them. If the cards turned over are not a pair then they must be turned face down in the same position before the next player has a turn. The winner is the first to get two pairs.  If they get one pair each then the winner is the player who gets the second pair because there are only 3 pairs.

For two or more players, use two sets of cards cut out from the worksheet so that there are 6 pairs altogether. In this game the winner is the player who gets the most pairs.

Again draw arrows to match the calculations with the correct answers and match the cards cut out from the worksheet.

BIDMAS NEXT GAME

Play the game as before with the cards on pages 2, 3 and 4 of the worksheet so that there are 9 pairs of cards.

Make more cards to make the game more interesting.

Click here to download the Notes for Teachers