Grade 4Matheasy
Order of Operations
Order of Operations — Order of Operations worksheet for Grade 4.
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Apply the correct order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to solve multi-step arithmetic problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Identify which operation should be performed first in expressions containing two or more different operations
- Solve equations with 2-3 operations by correctly prioritizing multiplication and division before addition and subtraction
- Explain why performing operations in the wrong order produces incorrect answers using concrete examples from the worksheet problems
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Review the order of operations rules with your student before beginning. Write 'Multiply and Divide FIRST (left to right), then Add and Subtract SECOND (left to right)' on a visible location. For this easy Grade 4 level, focus on this simplified rule without introducing parentheses or exponents.
- Step 2: Work through the first problem together as a model. Have the student identify all operations in the expression, circle or underline the multiplication or division operation(s) first, solve those, and then solve addition or subtraction. Narrate each step aloud so the student hears your thinking process.
- Step 3: Have the student complete problems 2-5 independently while you observe. Pause after each problem to check their work and ask them to explain which operation they did first and why. This metacognitive step helps reinforce understanding.
- Step 4: For problems 6-10, gradually reduce scaffolding by asking the student to predict which operation comes first before solving, rather than telling them. Allow 5-10 minutes of focused practice with these remaining problems.
- Step 5: Review any incorrect answers together by having the student re-solve the problem while verbalizing the order of operations. Ask 'What should we do first?' and 'Why do we do that operation before the other one?' to deepen comprehension before moving to the next problem.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Teach the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) or use the phrase 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' to help students remember the sequence. For Grade 4 easy difficulty, focus primarily on MD (multiplication and division before addition and subtraction) since parentheses and exponents are typically not included at this level.
Address the common mistake of solving problems left-to-right: Many Grade 4 students instinctively solve problems from left to right (like reading), which causes errors. For example, in 2 + 3 × 4, students often calculate 2 + 3 = 5 first, then 5 × 4 = 20, instead of correctly doing 3 × 4 = 12 first, then 2 + 12 = 14. Have students circle or underline the multiplication/division operation first before solving.
Use color-coding or arrow marking on the worksheet to help visual learners: Have students use colored pencils to highlight which operation to solve first (e.g., green for multiplication, blue for addition). This concrete strategy helps students physically track the order before performing calculations.
Encourage students to rewrite expressions after each step to prevent confusion: For a problem like 6 + 2 × 3, have them write it out as 6 + [2 × 3] = 6 + 6 = 12. This step-by-step rewriting reinforces proper sequencing and creates a clear record of their thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have to follow a specific order of operations? Why can't we just solve left to right?
The order of operations is a universal mathematical rule that ensures everyone gets the same correct answer when solving a problem. Without it, different people might solve the same problem in different ways and get different answers! For example, 2 + 3 × 4 must equal 14 (not 20) so that mathematicians worldwide can communicate and understand each other's work. It's like following traffic rules—everyone drives on the same side of the road so accidents don't happen.
My child keeps making mistakes with mixed operations. How can I help them practice?
Create simple real-world scenarios using objects your child cares about. For example: 'You have 3 bags with 2 apples each, plus 1 extra apple. How many apples do you have?' (3 × 2 + 1 = 7). Let them act this out physically before writing the math. Have them always circle or underline the multiplication/division first before calculating. Practice 3-5 problems daily for a week—short, consistent practice is more effective than longer, sporadic sessions.
Should I teach PEMDAS right now, or is it too complex for Grade 4?
For Grade 4 at the easy difficulty level, focus on the core concept: 'Multiply and divide before you add and subtract.' Full PEMDAS (including Parentheses and Exponents) is typically introduced in later grades. Use the simplified version for now to build strong foundations. Once your child masters these two-operation problems confidently, they'll be ready for more complex expressions with parentheses.
What's the difference between problems with all multiplication/division versus mixed operations?
When an expression has only multiplication and division (like 12 ÷ 2 × 3), you solve left to right because they have equal priority. When an expression mixes operations (like 2 + 3 × 4), multiplication/division always goes first regardless of where it appears. This worksheet focuses on mixed operations, which is why order matters so much. Watch for this distinction as your child works through the problems.
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