Grade 3/Order of Operations
Order of Operations: Multiply First (588)
Students learn the critical rule that multiplication must be done before addition in order of operations. This worksheet introduces problems without parenthesis where students must identify the multiplication operation and complete it first, then add. Problems are presented in two formats: multiplication at the beginning (3 × 2 + 4) and multiplication in the middle (5 + 4 × 2). Clear step-by-step solutions reinforce the multiply-first rule.
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Teaching Notes
This is a major conceptual shift from parenthesis unit. Students often want to work left-to-right. Emphasize: "Multiplication is STRONGER than addition - it goes first even without parenthesis." Use the mnemonic: "My Dear" from PEMDAS (Multiply before Addition). Have students circle the multiplication first before solving any problem.
Vocabulary
Multiplication: Repeated addition or scaling.
Order of Operations: Rules for solving math problems.
Common Mistakes
- Working left to right: doing 3 + 4 = 7, then 7 × 2 = 14 instead of 4 × 2 first
- Forgetting to look for multiplication and adding first
- Confusion when multiplication appears after addition (5 + 4 × 2)
- Not writing down the multiplication result before adding
- Adding before multiplying
- Incorrect multiplication facts
- Incorrect addition sums
- Ignoring operation priority
Differentiation
SupportStart with only format a × b + c (multiplication first). Circle the multiplication on every problem. Use manipulatives: physical groups to show "2 groups of 3 plus 4 more". Reduce to 8 problems. Practice multiplication facts separately if needed.
ChallengeIntroduce three operations: 2 × 3 + 4 × 2. Add larger numbers: 6 × 4 + 12. Explore when parenthesis would change the answer: 3 × (2 + 4) vs 3 × 2 + 4. Create word problems requiring multiplication priority.
Discussion Questions
- Why does multiplication come before addition in math?
- What happens if we add first instead of multiply? Try 3 × 2 + 4 both ways.
- How is this rule different from parenthesis? When DO we add first?
- Can you create a real-world scenario where we need to multiply before adding?
- Why is order important in math problems?
- What happens if you add first in these problems?
- Can you think of a real-life example where order matters?
- How does this rule help us solve problems accurately?
Extension Activities
- Compare: 3 × 2 + 4 vs (3 × 2) + 4 vs 3 × (2 + 4) - what changes?
- Create problems where order matters: show different answers when done wrong
- Real-world problems: "3 boxes of 2 apples plus 4 loose apples = ?"
- Challenge: Try three operations: 2 × 3 + 4 × 2
Parent Tip
Ask your child to explain why multiplication comes before addition.
Learning Path
Skill Cluster
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Estimated Time
18 minutes
Skills Practiced
multiplication prioritytwo operation sequencing
Prerequisites
- 585
- 586
- 587
- Basic Multiplication Facts
- Basic Addition with Whole Numbers
Next Steps
- Order of Operations with Parentheses
- Order of Operations with Division
- Order of Operations: All Operations
- Mixed Operations Practice