Order of Operations

Introduction

Introduction

Have you ever been given a problem like such and did not have a clue how to work it?

These type of problems can be very tricky to work, but once you get the hang of it, they get easier and easier each time you do one.

Task

Task

The order of operations is a very simple concept, but it is vital to correctly doing math. It is simply the order in which you should perform certain operations (like addition) to get the right answer.

When you see a problem with all the math symbols in them, it can often make ones head spin.

The main goal of this webquest is to help you better understand the "order of operations."

A problem that we will being doing is 8+4•3-2

Process

Process

1. The first step in this process is to understand what it means. (PEMDAS)- P stands for parentheses, E stands for exponent, M stands for multiplication, A stands for addition, and S stands for subtraction.

2. Then you get your problem. Example- 8+4•3-2

3. Once you have your problem, like the one above that I will be demonstrating, you can begin.

4. You first start off by looking at the problem, ours is 8+4•3-2, then use your PEMDAS and see what operation comes first.

5. Look at the first letter P, are there any parentheses? There are not. Then go to the next letter, E, are there any exponents? There are not. Then on to the next one, M, is there any multiplication in the? Yes, so we start there.

6. Find where the multiplication is in the problem, which is (4•3)= 12. You then take out the 4•3 in the problem and replace it with your 12. The new problem now is 8+12-2.

7. Then on to the next letter, D, is there any division in the problem? No there is not so on to the next letter we go.

8. The next letter is A, is there any addition in the problem? Yes, so we go from there.

9. Remember, the new problem is 8+12-2, so you find the addition problem, which is (8+12)=20. Then replace the addition problem with 20. Your new equation is now 20-2.

10. Now go to the last letter, S, is there any subtraction in the problem? Yes, so go from there.

11. Remember, the new equation is 20-2, so find the subtraction problem, which happens to be the last problem all together, so just subtract (20-2)= 18.

12. You have just successfully found the answer to the problem 8+4•3-2, which is 18.

Evaluation

Evaluation

Order of Operations	1 Novice	2 Apprentice	3 Practitioner	4 Expert (work exceeds grade level expectations)
Problem Solving	Little or no understanding of the problem is evident and no work is shown	Numerous errors when problem solving and/or no work shown	Few errors when problem solving and some work shown	No errors when solving problems and all work is shown
Mathematical Content	Demonstrates little or no knowledge or application of order of operations	Demonstrate a limited knowledge and application of order of operations	Demonstrates a general knowledge and application of order of operations	Demonstrates a clear knowledge and application of order of operations
Mathematical Communication	Inaccurately communicates concepts and/or no examples are provided	Communication of concepts is limited; examples provided do not support the work	Communicates concepts satisfactorily; provides one example to support work	Communicates concepts in a well developed manner; Provides multiple examples to support work
Use of Mathematical Terminology	No mathematical terminology used or attempted	Some mathematical terminology is presented, but not correctly used	Mathematical terminology used correctly	Mathematical terminology is prevalent and used correctly.
Overall Product	The reader is unable to follow steps taken in the solution. Work is messy and unorganized.	Solutions are difficult to follow at times. Work is sloppy or no attention to detail is shown.	Solution is presented in a logical manner. Work is organized and visually appealing.	Solutions are presented in an easy to follow step-by-step manner. Exemplary presentation.

Conclusion

Conclusion

If you go by the instructions and steps on my webquest, you will be able to do any kind of order of operations problems with ease. If you are having trouble with a problem, feel free to look back and refresh your memory.

If you are interested in doing anymore order of operations problems, here are a few: