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Order of Operations Introduction

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Order of Operations Introduction

A community snack stall is packing fruit cups and sharing supplies. Work out each expression using the correct order: brackets first, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right. Show working where asked.

Warm-up: Same numbers, different order

Remember: multiplication and division share priority; addition and subtraction share priority. Work from left to right within each pair.

1.The stall has 8 crates with 2 apples in each crate, then receives 5 extra apples. Which expression matches the story, and how many apples are there?

(8 + 2) × 5 = 50
8 + 2 × 5 = 18
8 × 2 + 5 = 21

2.Calculate 8 + 2 × 5. Write the multiplication you do first, then the final answer.

3.The fruit is divided equally between 3 bowls after 6 apples and 3 oranges are combined. In (6 + 3) ÷ 3, what do you calculate first?

6 + 3 inside the brackets
3 ÷ 3
6 ÷ 3

4.Work out 24 ÷ 6 × 2. Division and multiplication have equal priority, so show which operation comes first.

Pack the orders

Solve each expression carefully. You can use the space beneath each question to record your steps.

5.Each of 4 volunteers packs 3 pears, then the stall adds 7 loose pears. Calculate 4 × 3 + 7.

6.A tray starts with 18 biscuits. The stall adds 6 more, then shares them equally across 4 plates. Calculate (18 + 6) ÷ 4.

7.A sign shows 5² + 12 ÷ 3. Work out the power and division before adding.

8.The team prepares 2 × (5 + 3²) snack packs, then gives away 4. Calculate 2 × (5 + 3²) − 4. Show each step.

9.A volunteer calculates 20 − 8 ÷ 2 as (20 − 8) ÷ 2 and gets 6. Explain the mistake and give the correct answer.

10.Create an expression using brackets and at least two different operations that equals 20. Write the expression and show how the order of operations gives 20.