Virginia SOL 5.CE.4.a
SOL Standard (Knowledge and Skills Cluster)
Use order of operations to simplify numerical expressions with whole numbers, limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in which:*
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will simplify numerical expressions with whole numbers using the order of operations.
Cluster contents
Knowledge and Skills in This Standard
5.CE.4.a is a Standards of Learning standard. These are the knowledge and skills expectations under it.
- 5.CE.4.a.i
expressions may contain no more than one set of parentheses
- 5.CE.4.a.ii
simplification will be limited to five whole numbers and four operations in any combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
- 5.CE.4.a.iii
whole numbers will be limited to two digits or less
- 5.CE.4.a.iv
expressions should not include braces, brackets, or fraction bars.
Teacher's field guide
What This Cluster Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students choose the correct operation to complete at each step and find the value of the expression. They evaluate parentheses first, then work through equal-priority operations from left to right.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student gets the correct value and shows a valid sequence of intermediate expressions. The student explains why equal-priority operations are handled from left to right and spots steps done out of order.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may calculate from the left edge or treat PEMDAS as a rigid list. They often think multiplication always precedes division, and addition always precedes subtraction. Some remove parentheses without evaluating inside them first.
How to Assess It
- Simplify 18 + (12 ÷ 3) × 5 - 7. Show one operation per line and circle the operation completed first.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Write 24 - (8 ÷ 2) + 3 × 4 on cards; students cover each completed operation and replace it with its value.
Ask whether multiplication always comes before division; students solve 24 ÷ 6 × 2 and defend the left-to-right rule in writing.
Play Operation Relay: teams simplify one step at a time, passing the marker only after teammates agree on the next operation.
A coach buys 4 packs of 6 balls, shares them among 3 teams, then adds 2 spare balls; students write and simplify the expression.
Free download
Printable 5.CE.4.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 5.CE.4.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 7.PFA.2.a
Use the order of operations and apply the properties of real numbers to simplify numerical expressions. Exponents are limited to 1, 2, 3, or 4 and bases are lim...
- 7.PFA.2.c
Simplify and generate equivalent algebraic expressions in one variable by applying the order of operations and properties of real numbers. Expressions may requi...
- 5.CE.4
The student will simplify numerical expressions with whole numbers using the order of operations.
Turn this cluster into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete cluster are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.