Order of Operations (PEMDAS) — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
3 + 4 × 2 = 14
Corrected: 3 + 4 × 2 = 11
The corrected sentence is: "3 + 4 × 2 = 11". The original sentence "3 + 4 × 2 = 14" contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
10 - 2 × 3 = 24
Corrected: 10 - 2 × 3 = 4
The corrected sentence is: "10 - 2 × 3 = 4". The original sentence "10 - 2 × 3 = 24" contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
8 + 12 ÷ 4 = 5
Corrected: 8 + 12 ÷ 4 = 11
The corrected sentence is: "8 + 12 ÷ 4 = 11". The original sentence "8 + 12 ÷ 4 = 5" contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. In PEMDAS, the P stands for Parentheses.
PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction — the order in which operations should be performed.
2. 6 + 3 × 5 = 21.
Multiply first (M before A): 3 × 5 = 15. Then add: 6 + 15 = 21.
3. 20 - 8 ÷ 2 = 16.
Divide first (D before S): 8 ÷ 2 = 4. Then subtract: 20 − 4 = 16.
4. 7 × 2 + 3 = 17.
Multiply first: 7 × 2 = 14. Then add: 14 + 3 = 17.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Explain why 5 + 2 × 6 equals 17, not 42.
Sample answer: You must multiply before adding. 2 × 6 = 12, then 5 + 12 = 17. Adding first gives the wrong answer.
PEMDAS requires multiplication before addition. Multiplying first: 2 × 6 = 12, then 5 + 12 = 17.
2. What does PEMDAS stand for? List each word.
Sample answer: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
PEMDAS is the acronym for the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division (left to right), Addition, Subtraction (left to right).