The document discusses the order of operations, which are rules that define the sequence in which calculations should be performed in a mathematical expression. It explains the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract) to remember the order. As an example, it works through solving the problem 16 - 3(8 - 3)2 ÷ 5 step-by-step based on the PEMDAS order of operations. The answer is 1. It also lists a core math standard and references related to the order of operations.

1. Mrs. Boyt

2. What is the Order of Operations?
 The Order of Operations is defined as “the rules of
which calculation comes first in an expression”
(webquest.hawaii.edu).
 One way to help remember the Order of Operations is
“PEMDAS” or “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”.
 We’ll use this problem (from purplemath.com) as we
go through the slides:
16 – 3(8 – 3)2 ÷ 5

3. Parentheses
 PEMDAS – “P” – Calculate anything in parenthesis
first.
16 – 3(8 – 3)2 ÷ 5
 8 minus 3 should be done first, since it is inside the
parenthesis.
=16-3 (5) 2 ÷ 5

4. Exponents
 PEMDAS – “E” – After making all calculations in
parenthesis, calculate any exponents.
=16-3 (5) 2 ÷ 5
 Next the exponents will be calculated.
=16-3(25)÷ 5

5. Multiply
 PEMDAS – “M” – Next, multiply parts of the problem
indicated with a multiplication symbol (x).
=16-3(25)÷ 5
 The next step is to multiply. In this case, 25 will be
multiplied by 3.
=16-75 ÷ 5

6. Divide
 PEMDAS – “D” – Next, divide any portions of the
problem indicated by a division symbol.
=16-75 ÷ 5
 Next, you should divide.
= 16-15

7. Add
 PEMDAS – “A” – Now is the time to perform any
addition calculations.
= 16-15
 The sample problem does not have an addition
calculations.

8. Subtract
 PEMDAS – “S” – Lastly, perform any subtraction
calculations and solve the problem!
= 16-15
 Subtract the numbers to find your answer!
=1
The answer to the problem is 1!

9. Core Standards
 CCSS.Math.Content.5.OA.A.1 Use parentheses,
brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and
evaluate expressions with these symbols.

10. References
 Retrieved from
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/orderops2.htm
 Retrieved from
http://www.webquest.hawaii.edu/kahihi/mathdiction
ary/O/orderofoperations.php