Math · Stage 6
Order of operations: brackets, then × ÷, then + −
Work out an expression with more than one operation by always doing brackets first, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction, left to right.
✦ Math📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~14 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start
I can apply the order of operations — brackets first, then × and ÷, then + and −.
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Kavi and the Puzzle Potion 🧪
Kavi mixed 2 + 3 × 4 into her potion and got 14 — but her friend got 20! "We can't both be right," Kavi hoots. "Maths needs one answer, so everyone follows the same order: brackets first, then × and ÷, and + and − last ⚡."
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What your child will learn
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2Watch the order machine workThe order machine always runs the same steps in the same order. Press ▶ Run to evaluate (4 + 2) × 3 − 5 one step at a time and watch which operation goes first.
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A peek inside
What is 3 + 4 × 2?
× is stronger than +, so do 4 × 2 = 8 first, then 3 + 8
Try this at home: Work it out: 6 + 2 × 5 = __
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.