Grade 5/Order of Operations
Match Expressions to Word Problems
Critical thinking practice. Choose the correct mathematical expression that matches the word problem. Prepares students for standardized tests.
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Teaching Notes
Discuss why the wrong answers are wrong. For example, in Q1, why is 20 - 2 ÷ 3 incorrect? (Because division happens first, which implies she shared 2 cookies, not the remaining 18).
Vocabulary
Expression: Math phrase with numbers and symbols.
Operation: Math action like add or subtract.
Common Mistakes
- Picking the expression with the numbers in the same order as the text without checking operations.
- Ignoring parentheses.
- Incorrect operation choice
- Misinterpreting keywords
- Ignoring implied grouping
- Confusing operation order
Differentiation
SupportHave them solve the word problem first to get a number, then solve the options to see which matches.
ChallengeAsk them to write a story for one of the incorrect options.
Discussion Questions
- How do keywords determine operations?
- Why are parentheses important in expressions?
- What if the order of operations changes?
- Can multiple expressions be correct?
Extension Activities
- Write a math story.
- Create word problems.
- Act out math stories.
Parent Tip
Ask your child to explain a simple math story in words.
Learning Path
Skill Cluster
Algebraic Thinking & Operations
Estimated Time
20 minutes
Skills Practiced
modeling mathconceptual understanding
Prerequisites
- 894
- Basic operations with whole numbers
- Understanding mathematical vocabulary
Next Steps
- Evaluating numeric expressions
- Solving multi-step word problems
- Writing Expressions from Word Problems
- Multi-Step Word Problem Solving
- Understanding Parentheses in Expressions