School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Mathematics, Grade 6

Algebra | Geometry | Measurement | Statistics | Probability | Number | Processes
Clarifications: Each clarification provides an explanation of the indicator/objective to help teachers better understand the concept. Classroom examples are often included to further illustrate the concept. While classroom examples could be shared with the students, the intended audience for the explanation/clarification is the classroom teacher-not the student. In addition, classroom examples may or may not reflect the assessment limits.

Standard 1.0 Knowledge of Algebra, Patterns, and Functions

Topic B. Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Indicator 1. Write and evaluate expressions

Objective c. Evaluate numeric expressions using the order of operations

  • Use no more than 4 operations (+, -, x, ÷ with no remainders) with or without 1 set of parentheses or a division bar and whole numbers (0-100)

Clarification

The order of operations is a set of rules used to determine a consistent order in which operations upon numbers are to be performed. The order of operations is:

  1. Perform operations within parentheses,
  2. Simplify terms with exponents,
  3. Multiply and divide from left to right, and then
  4. Add and subtract from left to right.

Classroom Example 1
3 + 5 - 12 ÷ 4
 
Answer: 3 + 5 - 12 ÷ 4
= 3 + 5 - 3
= 8 - 3
= 5

Classroom Example 2
27 - (17 - 8) ÷ 3
 
Answer: 27 - (17 - 8) ÷ 3
= 27 - 9 ÷ 3
= 27 - 3
= 24

Classroom Example 3
4x9/5+7
 
Answer: 4x9/5+7 = 36/12 = 3

Classroom Example 4
3(4x6) over 12/3
 
Answer: 3(4x6) over 12/3 = 3x24 over 12/3 = 72/4 = 18

Classroom Example 5
4 (3 x 2) - 2 (18 ÷ 3)
 
Answer: 4(3x2) - 2(18÷3)
= 4(6) - 2(6)
= 24 - 12
= 12
/instruction/clarification/mathematics/grade6/xml/1B1c.xml
Resources for Objective 1.B.1.c:
CLARIFICATIONS | Sample Assessments |