Grade 4Matheasy
Order of Operations - Easy Practice for Grade 4
Practice solving math problems using the correct order of operations (PEMDAS). Start with parentheses, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right.
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Identify the correct sequence of operations using PEMDAS (Parentheses, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) in simple expressions
- Solve two-step problems involving addition and multiplication or addition and subtraction using proper order
- Apply parentheses rules by solving expressions inside parentheses first before other operations
- Calculate expressions with multiplication and addition by performing multiplication before addition
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Review the PEMDAS acronym with your child, focusing on parentheses first, then multiplication, then addition and subtraction
- Step 2: Work through the first 2-3 problems together, having your child identify which operation to do first before calculating
- Step 3: Let your child solve problems 4-8 independently while you observe, offering gentle reminders about order when needed
- Step 4: For problems 9-15, encourage your child to circle parentheses and underline multiplication signs before solving
- Step 5: Review any incorrect answers by asking 'Which operation should we do first?' rather than just giving the correct answer
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Use the acronym 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' to help students remember PEMDAS, but emphasize that for Grade 4, they'll mainly work with parentheses, simple multiplication, and addition/subtraction
Watch for the common mistake of working left-to-right without considering operation priority - students often solve 3 + 4 × 2 as 14 instead of 11 because they add first
Encourage students to circle or highlight parentheses first, then underline multiplication signs to visually identify which operations to do first
If students struggle, have them rewrite each problem step-by-step, showing their work after each operation rather than trying to solve everything at once
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of problems should my 4th grader expect on this worksheet?
This worksheet focuses on simple expressions with 2-3 operations, such as problems like 8 + 3 × 2, (5 + 3) × 4, or 12 ÷ 3 + 7. Your child won't encounter complex problems with multiple parentheses or advanced operations.
My child keeps solving from left to right instead of using order of operations. How can I help?
This is very common in 4th grade! Try having them use colored pencils - one color to circle what they solve first, another color for second, etc. Also practice with real-world examples like 'I have 3 bags with 4 cookies each, plus 2 extra cookies' to show why multiplication comes before addition.
Should my 4th grader memorize PEMDAS or understand why the order matters?
Both are important, but understanding comes first. Start with simple examples showing why 2 + 3 × 4 gives different answers depending on order. Once they see why order matters, the PEMDAS acronym becomes a helpful tool rather than just memorization.
How do I know if my child is ready for order of operations?
Your child should be comfortable with basic multiplication facts, simple division, and multi-digit addition/subtraction. If they can solve 6 × 7 and 45 ÷ 5 quickly, they're ready to learn about combining these operations in the correct order.
What should I do if my child finds this worksheet too challenging?
Break it down further by covering part of each problem. Start with just the operation that should be done first, let them solve it, then reveal the rest. Also, consider practicing with even simpler problems like 4 × 2 + 3 before moving to the worksheet problems.
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