Year 6 - Maths
Use knowledge of the order of operations to solve equations
Order of operations
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will explore what happens when we combine addition and subtraction with multiplication and division, bringing up the need for the order of operations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use your knowledge of the order of operations to write equations and to complete equations with missing numbers or operations.
Key Notes
- When there are no brackets, multiplication and division are completed before addition and subtraction.
- Where there is a common factor, the other factors can be added or subtracted before the final multiplication.
- Where there is a common divisor, the dividends can be added or subtracted before the final division.
- Any part of an equation that is in brackets should be calculated first.
- In an equation, powers have priority over multiplication and division.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Order of operations: The distributive law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as doing each multiplication separately.
- Distributive law: The order of operations is a set of rules that tell you which operations have priority over others in an equation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may forget to use the order of operations and revert back to working from left to right.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
When there are no brackets, multiplication and division are completed before addition and subtraction. Where there is a common factor, the other factors can be added or subtracted before the final multiplication.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Order of operations'
The distributive law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as doing each multiplication separately. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may forget to use the order of operations and revert back to working from left to right. Correction: Encourage them to identify all the operations in an equation before they begin to solve it so that they can apply their knowledge of the order of operations.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Combine division with addition and subtraction Study Guide
- Combine multiplication with addition and subtraction Study Guide
- Explain how the distributive law applies to division expressions with a common divisor Study Guide
- Explain how the distributive law applies to multiplication expressions with a common factor Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.