1. Order of Operations Learn to Read the problem correctly
Then there is no doubt
The order of the process!

2. How do we read things in math
Parenthesis () brackets [] braces {}
the quantity of
example
(4+6) is read the quantity of 4 plus 6.
This means you must do the operation within the grouping symbol first – because you NEED the answer.

3. You try
(5 -3)
[ ]
If multiple grouping symbols work from the inside out
{4+ [5 - (2 -1)] }
2-1 = 1 then = 4
Finally = 8

4. Exponents  times itself ___ times
4³ times itself 3 times 4 ∙4∙4 or 64
So if you have (2+3)²
You would read it
The quantity of 2 plus 3, times itself two times
You would then know that you have to add 2 and 3 first, 5. You would then take that answer, 5, and multiply it by itself 2 times. 5 · 5 = 25

5. What would you do? 5³
(2+0)²
(5-1)³
(10-4)¹

6. Multiplication groups of
4 ∙ 3 is 4 groups of 3 when you read the math phrase this way, you know you must find out how many 4 groups of 3 is or in other words, what is 4 times 3
You try
7 6∙ 2 5 · 10

7. Division items divided into groups of
100÷10
1500÷500

8. Just like in English we would read left to right, processing things.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the verbiage.
Let’s try a few. Always copy all parts of the problems
2÷ · 4 + 7
= · 4 + 7 = = =

9. 5 + 4² - 7
Reads 5 plus the square of 4 (or 4 times itself two times) minus 7
Now let’s work it. =
= 21 – 7
= 14

10. I have ten stamps and I have 4 groups of 3 stamps
I have ten stamps and I have 4 groups of 3 stamps. How many stamps do I have?
How do I write this mathematically?
∙ 3 =
= 22

11. Sharon has 4 photo albums on her shelf
Sharon has 4 photo albums on her shelf. She put another 5 stacks of 4 photo albums on the shelf. How may photo albums were on the shelf?
Let’s draw it first – to see what she has.
Sharon’s albums
Photo albums
∙ 4 =

12. Practice Work
Instructions – rewrite the problem using words.
Then write the original math problem.
Work each step – showing all work - be careful to not drop any part of the problem. Remember to use phrases: times itself __ times groups of quantity of
Items divided into groups of
7 + 3 ∙ 3 + (2+1)
90 ÷ (8 +2)
5 · 8 – 2· 4
45 + (2 +3)²