Step 5 Objective

Know and use the order of operations and understand that algebraic operations follow the same conventions and order as arithmetic operations.

Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do

Find mentally or use jottings to find the value of:
16 ÷ 4 + 8 = 12
16 + 8 ÷ 4 = 18
14 × 7 + 8 × 11 = 186
100 over (4 times 5) = 5
32 + 13 × 5 = 97
(3² + 4²)² = 625
(5 squared minus 7) over (2 squared minus 1) = 6

Recognise that in the expression 2 + 5a the multiplication is to be performed first.

Probing questions

Two different calculators give different answers to the calculation 2 + 4 × 6. What are the two answers? Can you explain how the different answers were calculated? Which answer is correct? Can you explain why?

What if pupils find this a barrier?

Pupils may need more experience of developing formulae (and calculations) from function cards (or operation cards) and then 'reading' the resulting formula or calculation.

Function cards might include: