Grade 5Mathmedium
Order of Operations Practice - Grade 5
Practice solving mathematical expressions using the correct order of operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right).
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Apply the PEMDAS rule to solve multi-step expressions containing parentheses, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction
- Evaluate expressions with multiple operations by working systematically from left to right within each operation level
- Identify and correct common order of operations errors in expressions with 3-4 operations
- Solve word problems that require translating situations into mathematical expressions using proper operation order
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Review the PEMDAS acronym with your child and have them write it at the top of their paper as a reference
- Step 2: For each expression, have your student identify and solve anything in parentheses first, showing their work clearly
- Step 3: Next, have them find and solve all multiplication and division operations from left to right, rewriting the expression after each step
- Step 4: Finally, solve all addition and subtraction operations from left to right to reach the final answer
- Step 5: Check 2-3 problems together, having your child explain their reasoning for the order they chose
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Students often multiply or add first because they appear first in the expression - emphasize that PEMDAS tells us which operations have priority, not which ones appear first from left to right
When students see expressions like 12 ÷ 3 × 4, remind them that multiplication and division have equal priority and must be solved left to right (answer: 16, not 1)
Use the memory device 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' but emphasize that MD and AS are pairs that work left to right, not strict hierarchies
Have students circle or highlight parentheses first, then underline multiplication/division operations, then mark addition/subtraction to create a visual roadmap before calculating
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my child keep getting the wrong answer even when their math facts are correct?
This usually means they're doing the operations in the wrong order. Have them slow down and follow PEMDAS step-by-step, rewriting the expression after each operation rather than trying to do it all at once.
How can I help my child remember that multiplication and division are equal in priority?
Explain that MD work as a team and AS work as a team. Within each team, you go left to right like reading a book. Practice with simple expressions like 8 ÷ 2 × 3 to show the difference between left-to-right (12) versus right-to-left (1.33).
Should my 5th grader be using a calculator for order of operations problems?
Not initially - they need to practice the logical thinking and sequencing skills. Once they master the concept, a calculator can help check their work, but make sure they understand that many calculators follow order of operations automatically.
What if my child finds expressions with parentheses too confusing?
Start by having them solve what's inside the parentheses separately on a piece of scratch paper, then substitute that answer back into the main expression. This breaks the problem into smaller, manageable chunks.
How do I know if my child is ready for more complex order of operations problems?
They should consistently solve 3-4 operation problems correctly and be able to explain why they chose their order of operations. They should also catch and self-correct when they make sequencing errors.
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