The Order of Operations: A Global Collaboration Tool

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When I ask, "What is the order of operations?", many of my students chant, "PEMDAS!" or "Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally!" While this is a way to remember the steps in the algorithm, this is one of those concepts where I want students to fully understand not just how to do it, but why we use it.

We discuss examples of doctors, mathematicians, and scientists around the world wanting to work together to solve big problems, but coming up with different answers. It helps kids see that, if everyone is on the same page, we have a common language and we can truly collaborate.

This is why I call the order of operations a global collaboration tool. It's a globally accepted definition and the order in which all mathematicians calculate operations. It allows us to work together toward common goals.

Download this FREE readable that helps kids understand more about the order of operations. It's full of information and classroom help.