In an expression plus, minus, times and divided are often mixed.
Then a fixed order applies, so that everyone gets the same result.
This is how you do it:
1. First work out what is inside the brackets.
2. Then apply times before plus, so times and divided first.
3. Finally you work out plus and minus from left to right.
Example: 4 + 3 · 6. First 3 · 6 = 18, then 4 + 18 = 22.
Example: (9 − 5) · 4. First 9 − 5 = 4, then 4 · 4 = 16.
In the example below the number written in shows the answer.
Example
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Working out expressions with mixed operation signs in the right order, following times before plus and with brackets.
Common pitfalls
Many children simply calculate from left to right. Remind them that times and divided come before plus and minus, and that a bracket always comes first.
How to practice at home
Think up a small expression, for example 2 + 3 · 4, and work it out together step by step.
Related: Number Sentences with a Gap, Semi-written multiplying