Orders of Operations

Dear all,

We have arrived at your first anticipated difficult topic and that is Orders of Operations. You will need to constantly practise on this topic to help you remember well. Lets' recap the rules.

Concepts:
1. When there is only subtraction and addition in a number equation, we work from LEFT to RIGHT. Always underline the first step (part of the number equation) you should work out first. 

8 - 2 + 6
We work out from left to right
We underline 8 - 2 first.
8 - 2 + 6 =
6 + 6 = 12

2. When there is only multiplication and division in a number equation, we work from LEFT to RIGHT. Once again, underline the first step (part of the number equation) you should work out first.

8 x 2 ÷ 4
We work out from left to right
We underline 8 x 2 first.
8 x 2 ÷ 4 =
16 ÷ 4 = 4

3. When there are addition/subtraction and multiplication/division in a number equation, we work from LEFT to RIGHT BUT we need to work out the MULTIPLICATION/DIVISION portion FIRST! Underline the part you need to work out first. 

8 - 16 ÷ 4 x 2
We underline 16 ÷ 4 first.
8 - 16 ÷ 4 x 2 =
8 - 4 x 2 =
Next, since multiplication comes first, we underline the multiplication portion which is 4 x 2.
8 - 4 x 2
8 - 8 = 0

4. When there are addition/subtraction/multiplication/division but there are BRACKETS in the number equation, we work out from LEFT to RIGHT but we WORK ON THE BRACKETS FIRST! Always underline the portions (brackets portion) you need to work out first. 

2 x (8 - 4 + 2)
We underline (8 - 4 + 2) as this is the first step we need to do.
2 x (8 - 4 + 2) =
2 x 6 = 12

Homework: 

• Worksheet on Orders of Operations

Have a blessed Chinese New Year everyone (pupils and parents)! Work hard and play hard. In 4 weeks' time, it will be your CA. Topics to be tested included what you have covered in P1 - 4 so remember to revise through too. We will cover up to fractions (1). We are on the way to completing Whole Numbers (2), leaving with us with only Fractions (1). Practice makes perfect. Enjoy yourselves this festive season.

Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong