Grade 4Mathhard
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 sequence of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to solve multi-step arithmetic expressions containing parentheses, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction
- Evaluate complex expressions with mixed operations by identifying which operations to perform first, second, and third
- Solve word problems that require translating written descriptions into numerical expressions and then applying the order of operations correctly
- Distinguish between expressions that produce different answers depending on operation order and explain why grouping symbols change the result
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Review the order of operations acronym (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) with your student. Create a visual reference card they can keep nearby during practice.
- Step 2: Before solving any problem, have your student scan the expression and circle or underline parentheses first, then identify all multiplication and division operations from left to right, then addition and subtraction operations from left to right.
- Step 3: Work through the first 2-3 problems together, narrating each step aloud. Your student should say 'First I see parentheses here, so I'll solve that. Then I see division, then addition' before actually computing anything.
- Step 4: Have your student solve problems 4-7 independently while you observe. Pause after each problem to verify they followed the correct sequence before checking the arithmetic.
- Step 5: Review any incorrect problems by asking your student to explain which operation they performed at each step. This reveals whether the error was in operation sequencing or in calculation itself.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Many 4th graders struggle with remembering that multiplication and division have equal priority and are performed left to right (not multiplication first). Use color-coding or circling to show which operation to perform at each step. For example, in 24 ÷ 3 × 2, underline the division first since it appears leftmost, then multiply the result.
Students often forget about parentheses or treat them as optional. Emphasize that parentheses are like 'DO THIS FIRST' signals and must always be solved before any other operations. Practice with expressions where ignoring parentheses gives a completely different answer (e.g., 2 + 3 × 4 vs. (2 + 3) × 4).
Watch for careless errors where students solve operations in the wrong order but then make arithmetic mistakes. Have students write out each step on a separate line and check their arithmetic at each stage. This slows them down but builds accuracy and helps you see where the actual mistake occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have an order of operations? Can't we just solve math problems left to right?
Great question! If everyone solved math problems differently, we'd get different answers for the same problem. Mathematicians created the order of operations so everyone solves problems the same way and gets the same correct answer. Think of it like rules for a game—everyone needs to follow the same rules, or the game doesn't work fairly. Without order of operations, 2 + 3 × 4 could equal 20 (if you go left to right) or 14 (if you multiply first). We need one correct answer, so we all agree to do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction.
My child keeps forgetting about parentheses. How can I help them remember parentheses are the highest priority?
Try calling parentheses 'priority powers' or 'math superpowers' that jump to the front of the line. You can even use physical actions—have your student jump up and down when they see parentheses to emphasize 'do this FIRST!' before anything else. Another strategy: create practice problems where ignoring parentheses gives a dramatically different answer. For instance, (10 - 2) × 3 = 24, but 10 - 2 × 3 = 4. When your student sees how much the answer changes, they'll be more motivated to find and solve parentheses first.
How should I handle it when my child gets the order right but makes an arithmetic mistake?
This is actually a good sign—it means they understand order of operations! Praise them for following the correct sequence first. Then gently point out the arithmetic error without penalizing the order of operations understanding. You might say, 'Perfect! You knew to do the parentheses first. Let's double-check your addition: 5 + 3 equals...' Having your student recalculate just that step helps them see the error without making them feel they did the whole problem wrong. As they practice, both the sequencing and the arithmetic accuracy will improve.
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