Order of Operations Introduction — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Sara reads 3 books with 20 pages each, then 5 more pages: 3*20+5.
Multiplication finishes the total page count before the small addition is included.
2. (8+2)*4 equals 40 when parentheses are honored first.
Parentheses compel addition to occur before the multiplication that follows immediately.
3. A box has (12-4) apples shared by 4 kids; each gets 2 apples.
Parentheses ensure subtraction occurs before sharing across the group of children.
4. Liam has 5 bags of 3 marbles plus 4 loose: 5*3+4 = 19.
Multiplication priority gives the total bag count before loose items are added in.
5. (20-5)/3 equals 5 after subtraction and division steps.
Parentheses lift subtraction to top rank, so it finishes before division calculates the share.
6. Each of 4 rows has 7 seats, with 3 empty: 4*7-3.
Multiplication produces total seats first; subtraction then accounts for empty seats.
7. (15+5)/4 equals 5 after addition then division.
Parentheses prioritize addition so the sum is fully formed before division proceeds.
8. A snack pack costs 6, and Jay buys 3 packs minus a $2 coupon: 6*3-2.
Multiplication establishes the unfinished cost before the coupon discount is applied.
9. (9-3)*2 equals 12 once you handle parentheses correctly.
Parentheses elevate subtraction so it occurs before the multiplication doubles the result.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Three rows of 8 desks plus 2 extra
→ 3*8+2
3*8+2
Subtract 5 from 20, then divide by 3
→ (20-5)/3
(20-5)/3
Add 6 and 4, then triple the sum
→ (6+4)*3
(6+4)*3
Twelve apples split among 4 friends with 2 left
→ 12/4-2
12/4-2
Matching stories to expressions reinforces how parentheses and operations describe real situations.