Order of Operations Activity

Once your students understand how to solve equations with one operation, it may be time for them to move on to multiple operations within an equation. If students are presented with an equation such as 6 + 9 × 12 ÷ 3 – 1, would they know what to do first? 

Students typically approach problems such as this one in the same manner as they read a book, from left to right. As we all know, this isn’t how these equations typically work. Teaching the order of operations is essential for students to understand so they can solve more complex problems. 

Teach Starter has created an interactive activity that can be completed using PowerPoint or Google Slides to help your students practise this skill.

Students must complete the tasks digitally. There are 7 tasks, increasing in difficulty as students progress. Slides include matching, written responses and sequencing.

Through this activity, students will practise various question types about simplifying expressions using the order of operations.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your maths lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, this activity can enhance learning through guided maths groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, we have a few suggestions for keeping students on track with these concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If students need additional support, encourage them to reference previous assignments, posters, or anchor charts. Additionally, this activity can be completed in a small group or in a 1-on-1 setting.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, students can create a product demonstrating their understanding of the order of operations. Students can choose to:

• make a poster
• create a slideshow
• write a poem
• make a movie.

🧑‍🏫 Group Learning

Project the slides onto a screen and work through them as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks or mini whiteboards. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to access this resource’s interactive and editable PowerPoint or Google Slides version. There also is an answer key provided.

Assign this interactive activity to Google Classroom. Please be sure to open it in Edit mode, not Presentation mode. Students will complete the slides by typing in responses, dragging lines to match objects, moving equations, etc.

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a Teach Starter Collaborator.