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How do you explain the order of operations to a child?

Published in Math Operations 3 mins read

Explaining the order of operations to a child can be made simple by using a memorable acronym and clear examples. The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which calculations to do first in a math problem.

Understanding the Order of Operations

The key is to introduce the concept step-by-step using a simple and fun approach. Think of it like a recipe – if you don't follow the steps in the right order, you might not get the right result!

Here's a breakdown:

1. Introducing the Acronym: PEMDAS or BODMAS

Instead of just diving into rules, start with an easy-to-remember acronym. This will be their guide:

  • PEMDAS (often used in the United States):

    • Parentheses (or Brackets)
    • Exponents (or Orders)
    • Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
    • Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

  • BODMAS (often used in other countries):

    • Brackets
    • Orders (or Indices)
    • Division and Multiplication (from left to right)
    • Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

Choose the acronym that's most relevant for the child’s location and curriculum.

2. Step-by-Step Explanation with Examples

Let’s use PEMDAS as our guide and provide child-friendly examples:

  1. Parentheses/Brackets First:
    • Explain that parentheses are like special boxes in math problems. We always solve what’s inside them first.
    • Example: In (2 + 3) x 4, you'd do 2 + 3 first, which is 5. So it becomes 5 x 4.
  2. Exponents/Orders Next:
    • Explain that an exponent means multiplying a number by itself a certain number of times.
    • Example: In 2² + 5, you would do 2² which is 2 x 2 = 4 first. Now you have 4 + 5.
  3. Multiplication and Division:
    • Explain that you work these from left to right.
    • Example: 6 ÷ 2 x 3. You do 6 ÷ 2 = 3 first, then 3 x 3 = 9.
    • Example: In the video (Order of Operations For Kids - YouTube), the example of 7 + 6 x 5 is introduced. According to PEMDAS, you'd do 6 x 5 = 30 first, then 7+30 = 37.
  4. Addition and Subtraction:
    • Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right.
    • Example: 10 – 2 + 3. You do 10 – 2 = 8 first, then 8 + 3 = 11.

3. Practical Insights and Tips

  • Start Simple: Begin with problems that only use two operations to get the hang of it.
  • Visual Aids: Use drawings, blocks, or other visual tools to make the concepts more tangible.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Provide plenty of practice problems so they internalize the rules.
  • Relate to Real Life: Connect the order of operations to real-life scenarios like following cooking instructions.

4. Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Incorrect Order: Kids often make mistakes by completing operations from left to right without considering the correct order (PEMDAS or BODMAS).
  • Ignoring Parentheses: Parentheses always take precedence, and forgetting this rule is a common error.
  • Confusion Between Multiplication and Division or Addition and Subtraction: Be sure to emphasize that these are done from left to right in the same step of the order.

Example From Reference

As seen in the linked YouTube video, the presenter takes the time to write the problem out and emphasizes each step for solving using the order of operations. This visual learning is great for kids.

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