5th Grade Math
Advanced operations, measurement, and data analysis for fifth grade students.
Advanced Topics
Order of Operations and Expressions
Solving Expressions the Right Way
In math, the order you do operations matters! The order of operations tells you which steps to do first so everyone gets the same answer.
PEMDAS
- P: Parentheses first
- E: Exponents (powers)
- MD: Multiplication and Division (left to right)
- AS: Addition and Subtraction (left to right)
Whenever you see a math expression, follow these rules to solve it.
Example Expression
\( 6 + (3 \times 4) - 2 \)
First, do what's in parentheses: \( 3 \times 4 = 12 \). Then add and subtract: \( 6 + 12 = 18 \), \( 18 - 2 = 16 \).
Why It Matters
Order of operations is used in science, engineering, and even video game programming!
Key Formula
\[PEMDAS\]
Examples
Solve \( 5 + 2 \times 6 = 17 \), not 42.
Evaluate \( (4 + 3) \times 2 = 14 \).
In a Nutshell
Always solve math problems in the correct order!