Order of Operations and Aunt Sally (PEMDAS) PRACTICE

Contributor: Briana Pincherri. Lesson ID: 11220

If you haven't met dear Aunt Sally and her PEMDAS, then you're missing a major math matron and mentor! Her rules for solving problems with mixed operations make math more manageable! Work out online!

categories

Pre-Algebra, Rules and Properties

subject
Math
learning style
Visual
personality style
Lion, Otter
Grade Level
Middle School (6-8)
Lesson Type
Skill Sharpener

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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If the name dear Aunt Sally rings a bell, you are ready to dive into this lesson and get started practicing the order of operations!

In the first lesson in this Order of Operations series, the information presented was all about the acronym for "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally."

If you are unsure who this Aunt Sally character is, you may want to start with the Related Lesson found in the right-hand sidebar. If you know the name and are ready to begin, let's take a minute to see if you remember what operation each of these letters stands for!

On a separate piece of paper, write something similar to this and fill in the missing operation beside each letter:

P – ______________________________

E – ______________________________

M- ______________________________

D – ______________________________

A – ______________________________

S – ____________________________

Once you are done, watch The Order of Operations Song (PEMDAS) | Silly School Songs to see if you were correct (Note: CATCHY TUNE ALERT!):

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Here are a couple examples to review before we continue with your individual practice:

Example 1

5 + (10 - 2) x 2 + 52
5 + (8) x 2 + 52
  • Complete work in parentheses first. (10 - 2 = 8)
5 + 8 x 2 + 25
  • Take care of any exponents next. (5 * 5 = 25)
5 +16 +25
  • Multiply or divide from left to right in order. (8 x 2 = 16)
21 + 25
  • Add or subtract from left to right in order. (5 + 16 = 21)
= 46
  • Complete the last step; addition in this case. (21 + 25 - 46)

 

Example 2

10 + 6 * 4 - 8 ÷ 2
10 + 24 - 8 ÷ 2
  • There are no parentheses or exponents, so we multiply or divide starting with the left side and moving to the right.
10 + 24 - 4
  • Since the 6 * 4 showed first, we complete it. Then, in the next step, complete the division. (8 ÷ 2)
34 - 4
  • Finally, finish with addition and subtraction from left to right. (10 + 24 = 34)
= 30
  • Complete the last step. (34 - 4 = 30)

 

NOTE: It can be so tempting to do multiple steps at a time, but that is often when you make a silly mistake. Take a few extra seconds to do one step at a time.

Move on to the next section to practice your skill.

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