Grade 4/Order of Operations
Multiplication First with Subtraction (589)
Building on multiplication priority, students now apply the multiply-first rule to problems involving subtraction. This worksheet reinforces that multiplication comes before subtraction, just as it does before addition. Problems are presented in two formats: multiplication first (3 × 4 - 5) and multiplication after subtraction (15 - 2 × 3). Students must identify and perform multiplication before subtracting, with detailed solutions showing both steps.
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Teaching Notes
Subtraction adds complexity because students may instinctively work left-to-right, especially on problems like "15 - 2 × 3". Emphasize circling the multiplication FIRST before starting. Common error: "15 - 2 = 13, then 13 × 3 = 39". Use consistent language: "Find the multiplication hiding in the problem first." Practice comparing answers when done correctly vs. incorrectly to show why order matters.
Vocabulary
Order of Operations: Rules for solving math problems in order.
Multiply: To add a number to itself a specific number of times.
Common Mistakes
- Left-to-right error: 15 - 2 = 13, then 13 × 3 instead of 2 × 3 first
- Not recognizing multiplication comes before subtraction
- Sign errors: forgetting the negative when subtracting
- Calculation errors when subtracting larger numbers
- Subtracting first
- Incorrect multiplication
- Misinterpreting a - b × c
- Calculation errors
Differentiation
SupportFocus only on format a × b - c initially (multiplication clearly first). Circle multiplication before solving. Use manipulatives to show groups being taken away. Reduce to 8 problems. Provide multiplication table reference.
ChallengeAdd three operations: 3 × 4 - 2 × 3. Include larger numbers: 8 × 5 - 17. Compare with parenthesis: (15 - 2) × 3 vs 15 - 2 × 3. Create word problems requiring multiplication-before-subtraction.
Discussion Questions
- Why does 15 - 2 × 3 equal 9 and not 39? What rule helps us?
- Is multiplication always done before subtraction? What about with parenthesis?
- Which format is trickier: 3 × 4 - 5 or 15 - 2 × 3? Why?
- Can you create a story problem for 4 × 3 - 7?
- Why is multiplying first important?
- Does changing the order affect the answer?
- What if there's no multiplication?
- How is this like a recipe?
Extension Activities
- Compare results: Calculate 15 - 2 × 3 correctly and incorrectly, discuss difference
- Use parenthesis to show steps: 15 - (2 × 3) to visualize multiply-first rule
- Real-world: "You have 15 candies, share 2 bags of 3 with friends = ?"
- Challenge: Mixed operations: 2 × 5 - 3 + 4
Parent Tip
Ask your child to explain the steps they took to solve a problem.
Learning Path
Skill Cluster
Number Sense & Operations
Estimated Time
20 minutes
Skills Practiced
multiply before subtractrecognizing operation order
Prerequisites
- 588
- Basic Multiplication Facts
- Subtraction within 1000
- One-step word problems
Next Steps
- Order of Operations: Multiply/Divide Before Add/Subtract
- Order of Operations with Parentheses
- Multiplication First with Addition
- Order of Operations: Mixed Basics
- Two-Step Word Problems