Order of Operations with Whole Numbers

Warm-up

What is 3 + 4 x 2? Show two different evaluations: left to right (7x2=14) and multiplication first (3+8=11). Which is correct by convention? (11: multiplication before addition.) Now: what brackets would change the answer to 14? ((3+4)x2=14.) This demonstrates both the convention and how brackets override it.

Explore

Error hunt: each pair receives 8 worked expressions, 4 of which contain errors. They must identify correct and incorrect evaluations, find the error in each incorrect one, and correct it. Present their most interesting find to the class.

Consolidate

Practice

Students evaluate 8 expressions using BEDMAS, correct 4 student errors from worked examples, and write 2 real-world problems that produce specific expression structures. Exit ticket: evaluate 4 + (10 - 6) x 3 / 2.

Exit ticket

Students evaluate 8 expressions using BEDMAS, correct 4 student errors from worked examples, and write 2 real-world problems that produce specific expression structures. Exit ticket: evaluate 4 + (10 - 6) x 3 / 2.