PEMDAS

**PEMDAS**

**Content** Math - Algebra

**Grade Level** This can be used in math classes once students have learned and can solve problems using the following mathematics vocabulary (parenthesis, exponents, multiplication division and addition and subtraction.

**Curriculum Standards** M.O.6.2.1 simplify numerical expressions and evaluate algebraic expressions using order of operations.

**Description of Practices** This is mnemonic device to help solve multi-step mathematics problems. It is a mnemonic to help remember the order of operations. It is used to simplify and solve expressions and equations.


 * __P__**lease __**E**__xcuse __**M**__y **__D__**ear **__A__**unt __**S**__ally

__**P**__- Parenthesis __**E**__- Exponents __**M**__- Multiply __**D**__- Divide __**A**__- Add __**S**__- Subtract

**Implementation Considerations** In what type of setting would you use this? Self-contained, co-teaching, small group, whole group, etc? This mnemonic can be used in any setting. This can be used with a small group or whole group.

In a self-contained setting, it may be necessary to provide extra prompting for students to recall the correct order of operations. The PEMDAS sticker may also need to be placed on a desk so the students can have the visual with the order of operations in front of them.

If the classroom uses the alternative co-teaching model, the two teachers could each take groups of their own. The one teacher could ask the students the order of operations with a large group of students. Whereas, the other teacher could take a smaller group of students who may need additional enrichment in the steps of solving problems. The teacher will the small group may need to go over each step individually to help eliminate problems and prompt students to do each step in the correct answer.

If the teachers would like to use the parallel co-teaching model, the teachers could split the classroom in half and each have the students use PEMDAS. Each teacher would have their own group of students to monitor and assist.

PEMDAS can be used a variety of different ways during stations. For instance, there could be stations where students work on skills needed for each letter. The first station the students insert parenthesis where needed to make a mathematic sentence true. In the second station, the students could practice solving problems with exponents. In the MDAS stations the students could strengthen their mathematic skills by solving multiplication, division, and addition or subtraction problems. Then, on the final station, the students could put all the order of operation skills together to solve expressions and equations.]

PEMDAS could also be implemented when using the team teaching method. The teachers could take turns reminding students what PEMDAS stands for. One teacher may tell the students what the letters P, M, and A stand for and the other teacher tell the students what the E, D and S stand for. Both teachers could monitor the students' progress and provide assistance as needed.

**Example** The link below is an informational video clip about PEMDAS. It explains what PEMDAS is and shows an example of how it is used when solving a mathematical problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD5Jf6ljpGo

**Citation** Glidden, P. L. (2008). Prospective Teachers' Understanding of Order of Operations. //School Science And Mathematics//, //108//(4), 130-136. Please excuse my dear aunt sally. [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD5Jf6ljpGo http://www.algebrahelp.com/lessons/simplifying/oops/