Most students encounter math in the first years of school and continue to study mathematical concepts throughout their lifetime. For students to master these concepts, they must learn and understand the order of operations and how to apply them to various equations. Learning this order of operations can help students succeed in many aspects in their future, from solving problems in their everyday lives to developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills that apply to our world.
This article outlines what order math is taught in and why it is important for students to learn this information.
1. Introduction to Math Concepts
The first step a student takes in their math instruction is an introduction to basic math concepts. This includes understanding basic numeracy and how to add, subtract, and multiply numbers.
Students are also taught how to count and order numbers, recognize patterns, and compare numbers. These basic concepts are required to get to more complex math operations, such as solving equations.
2. Solving Simple Equations
After students have a good understanding of the basics, they can begin to problem solve by understanding and solving equations. This helps the student to use the knowledge of the basic math concepts to find the solutions for various equations.
To solve the equations, students must understand the different operations that are used in order to get the correct result.
3. Understanding Operators in Order of Operations
An essential part of solving complex equations is understanding the order of operations. This order, also known as the “Order of Operation of Math,” explains the order that different operators should be evaluated in. This helps to avoid confusion when solving an equation as it provides a system that is followed in order to complete the equation correctly.
The order includes brackets, Parentheses (PEMDAS), exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
4. Learning the Rules of Order of Operations
In learning the order of operations, students are often given some basic rules to help them remember the order of operations. This includes the phrase Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally (PEMDAS) as well as the acronym BEDMAS. Knowing how to recall the order of operations is important in order to solve math equations quickly and accurately.
5. Mastering Different Operations and Equations
Once students have learned the order of operations, they can apply it to various equations. This allows them to do more complex problem-solving.
Students are taught various operations, such as fractions, negative numbers and decimals. They are also taught to solve equations, like linear and quadratic equations.
6. Knowing When to Use and Apply Order of Operations
In order for students to properly solve different equations, they must learn when to use the order of operations. The order of operations can help to solve complex equations and provide clear, easy-to-follow steps. Students must also be able to identify when an equation does not require the use of the order of operations in order to solve it.
7. Exploring Real-Life Applications
Now that students have a good understanding of the rules of order of operations, they can explore real-life applications. Here, students can use their problem-solving skills to arrive at logical solutions. This can be applied to different situations, such as understanding and calculating the cost of items at the store, estimating distances, and figuring out how long an activity will take.
8. Understanding How to Simplify Expressions
Simplifying expressions is key in understanding and solving equations. Students must understand how to simplify terms, combine like terms, and use the distributive property so that they can solve equations efficiently.
These skills will help the student to get to the answer faster and with the least amount of effort.
9. Introducing Variables and Algebraic Equations
Once students have a good understanding of the basics, they can move on to more advanced topics, such as algebra and working with variables. Here, students will learn how to solve equations using variables, as well as how to solve complex equations with multiple variables. This helps to build on the student’s understanding of the order of operations and apply it to different scenarios.
10. Exploring Advanced Ideas in Math
As students continue to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, they can move on to more advanced mathematics concepts. This can explore using algebraic equations and equations with multiple variables.
Students can learn how to solve equations containing fractions and decimals, ratios and proportions, statistics, and trigonometry.
11. Understanding Real-World Applications of Math
Math has real-world applications and can be used in various professions and everyday life. Students should be taught the importance of understanding math and its applications so that they can see how mathematics can be used to solve various problems.
12. Understanding Computation and Estimation
An important aspect of understanding math concepts is being able to develop problem-solving skills by computing and estimating solutions. Here, students learn how to use mental math, estimation, and problem solving to arrive at solutions.
This helps to hone the skills that the student has already learned and helps them to apply this to their everyday life.
13. Conclusion
In summary, learning the order of operations is important in order to solve math equations. By understanding the order of operations, students can develop stronger problem-solving skills that can be applied in their everyday lives.
An understanding of basic math concepts and operations will help students to understand and solve more complex equations, allowing them to become more confident in their mathematical abilities. It helps to have an understanding of real-world applications of mathematics, computation, and estimation to help the student understand their math problems and apply the solutions to various scenarios in the future.