Mathematics·Multiplication & Division·conceptual
Order of operations
Understand and apply the conventional order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to carry out calculations involving the four operations
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is advancing to sophisticated multiplication and division — using formal written methods for complex calculations, working with decimals, and applying the order of operations to solve multi-step problems.
Evidence of understanding
- Explain why 8 + 2 × 5 = 18 (not 50) by referencing multiplication before addition
- Evaluate a multi-step expression like 12 ÷ 3 + 4 × 2 correctly as 12
- State the correct order: brackets, then orders/exponents, then multiplication/division (L→R), then addition/subtraction (L→R)
Assessment prompt
If Order of operations sees '8 + 4 × 3', do they get 20 — not 36 — because they know to do the multiplication before the addition?
Standards alignment
Ma6/2.2fGB · uk-nc-2013
Order of operations
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key stage 2