How do you introduce order of operations to third graders?

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.

Why does order of operations matter for third graders?

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 Add / subtract / multiply with no parenthesis Worksheets

Ages 8-9 · Free previews · Print-ready PDFs

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

Free printable add / subtract / multiply with no parenthesis worksheets for 3rd grade students (Ages 8-9). All worksheets are aligned to Common Core standards and ready to print.

3rd Grade Math Order of Operations Add / subtract / multiply with no parenthesis Clear All

$Add / subtract / multiply with no parenthesis - 3rd Grade Order of Operations worksheet preview$

Add / subtract / multiply with no parenthesis

Grade3rd Grade

TopicOrder of Operations

More order of operations worksheets

Explore all of our 3rd grade order of operations worksheets, covering add / subtract with parenthesis - three numbers, add / subtract with parenthesis - four numbers, add / subtract with parenthesis - five numbers, add / subtract with parenthesis - six numbers, and more.

Add / subtract with parenthesis - three numbers Add / subtract with parenthesis - four numbers Add / subtract with parenthesis - five numbers Add / subtract with parenthesis - six numbers Add / subtract / multiply with parenthesis Add / subtract / multiply with parenthesis: five numbers Add / subtract / multiply with parenthesis: six numbers Order of operations Mixed operations

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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