Are Your Students Learning About PEMDAS or GEMDAS?

Understanding order of operations is essential for solving longer math equations with multiple operations. When students first look at these types of problems, they often just think they work through the operations from left to right, similar to how you read a book. But, as we know, there is a particular order in which you much tackle problems such as these.

With this mini book, students will learn the proper order to solve math equations. Since we understand different acronyms may be used to help students remember the steps, we have included both a PEMDAS and GEMDAS version. Additionally, there is a filled-in version that students can use when learning about the concept and a version with blanks for students to fill in.

So what do these acronyms actually mean? Both acronyms share the steps “EMDAS” which stands for exponents, multiply/divide and add/subtract from left to right. The difference lies in the first letter. The “P” in PEMDAS stands for parentheses, which should be addressed first in an equation. The “G” in GEMDAS stands for groupings. As students enter middle school, they will begin to evaluate expressions with different groupings, such as brackets and braces.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers
• Homework assignment

For an extension, have students create a hanging mobile that shows the steps in order. This can be done with index cards and string.

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

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. There is a PEMDAS version as well as a GEMDAS version.

To assemble the mini book, print the pages, cut them in half, and staple them together along the left-hand side to secure.

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator.

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