Question 1

Is order of operations taught in third grade?

Accepted Answer

Third grade introduces the concept that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction in an expression without parentheses (CCSS 3.OA). This is a precursor to the full order of operations (PEMDAS) formalized in fifth grade (5.OA.A.1). Third graders work with simple two-operation expressions to develop this foundational understanding.

Question 2

How do you introduce order of operations to third graders?

Accepted Answer

Use concrete examples to show that order matters: 2 + 3 × 4 can equal 20 or 14 depending on which operation is done first. Show that 14 (multiply first) is the mathematically agreed-upon convention. Keep expressions simple — avoid parentheses and exponents at this level. Worksheets with step-by-step guided solutions showing which operation to solve first model the reasoning process.

Question 3

Why does order of operations matter for third graders?

Accepted Answer

Without consistent order of operations, the same expression could have different values for different people — making mathematical communication impossible. Third graders encounter this implicitly whenever they evaluate two-step word problems. Explicit instruction on the convention prepares students for the full PEMDAS rule in fifth grade and algebraic thinking in middle school.

3rd Grade Order of Operations Worksheets

Order of operations

Order of Operations (add, subtract, multiply) - Search

Mixed operations

Add, subtract and multiply (with parentheses) - Checklist

Add, subtract and multiply (with parentheses) - Tiger

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