Order of Operations (Grade 5) with worksheet

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What is the Order of Operations?

The Order of Operations is a set of rules in math that helps us solve problems with more than one operation (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) in the correct order. If we don't follow these rules, we might get the wrong answer!

Think of it like following a recipe. If you don’t add ingredients in the right order, the dish won’t turn out as it should. Similarly, math problems need to be solved step by step, using the order of operations.

Why is the Order of Operations Important?

Imagine this problem:
6 + 2 × 3

  • If you solve it from left to right, like a sentence, you would do 6 + 2 first and get 8, then multiply by 3 to get 24.
  • However, if you follow the order of operations, you solve the multiplication first: 2 × 3 = 6, and then add 6 + 6 to get the correct answer, 12.

See how the answer changes depending on how you solve it? That’s why we need a clear set of rules!

The Steps of the Order of Operations

To remember the order, we use a special phrase:
PEMDAS: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.

Each letter tells us what to do and in what order:

  1. P – Parentheses: Solve what’s inside parentheses or brackets first.
    Example: (2 + 3) × 4 = 5 × 4 = 20.
  2. E – Exponents: Solve powers or roots next.
    Example: 232^3 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8.
  3. M and D – Multiplication and Division: Do these from left to right.
    Example: 8 ÷ 2 × 3 = 4 × 3 = 12.
  4. A and S – Addition and Subtraction: Do these from left to right.
    Example: 5 + 4 − 2 = 9 − 2 = 7.

Examples to Practice

  1. (3 + 2) × 4

    • Parentheses first: 3 + 2 = 5.
    • Then multiply: 5 × 4 = 20.

  2. 8 + 2 × 5

    • Multiplication first: 2 × 5 = 10.
    • Then addition: 8 + 10 = 18.

  3. (6 − 4)²

    • Parentheses first: 6 − 4 = 2.
    • Then exponent: 22=2×2=42^2 = 2 × 2 = 4.

Fun Tricks to Remember

  • PEMDAS Pyramid: Imagine solving a pyramid where the top level is parentheses, and you move down step by step to exponents, then multiplication/division, and finally addition/subtraction.
  • Color Coding: Use colors to highlight each step when solving problems, like red for parentheses and blue for exponents.

Key Tip for Kids

Always work step by step and check your work! The order of operations is like solving a mystery—you follow clues (steps) to get the right answer. Once you practice, it’ll feel like second nature! 😊



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