Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Quizzes

A common strategy is to use the mnemonic PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). Emphasize that Multiplication and Division are a pair, solved from left to right, as are Addition and Subtraction. Using mnemonics like "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" can help students remember the sequence.

The most frequent error is forgetting that multiplication/division and addition/subtraction are performed from left to right. Students often try to do all multiplication before any division, which is incorrect. Another common issue is incorrectly applying the distributive property or miscalculating exponents (e.g., 3² = 6 instead of 9).

Effective practice involves quizzes with progressively complex problems. Start with expressions using only two or three operations, then gradually add parentheses, exponents, and more steps. A mix of problem types ensures students are not just memorizing a pattern but actively applying the PEMDAS rules.

Wayground quizzes can be used as printable PDFs for focused, hands-on practice. You can then use the Wayground for Teachers app to quickly scan and grade paper submissions. Alternatively, you can host the quiz as a digital quiz on the Wayground platform for automated grading. A complete answer key is included with every quiz.

Aligned with Common Core's focus on expressions and equations, the order of operations is the bridge between basic arithmetic and algebra. Students first learn to solve two-step problems in elementary grades, then formally learn PEMDAS with parentheses and exponents in middle school, which is essential for evaluating and simplifying algebraic expressions later.

For students who are struggling, start with quizzes that isolate specific steps, such as problems with only addition and multiplication. For digital assignments on Wayground, you can use the "Reduced answer choices" accommodation to help students focus on the process. You can also create scaffolded versions of a printable quiz by removing exponents or nested parentheses.