Virginia SOL 5.CE.4.a.i
The Standard
expressions may contain no more than one set of parentheses
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will simplify numerical expressions with whole numbers using the order of operations.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students evaluate whole-number expressions and show the result after each operation. They work inside parentheses first, then multiply or divide, then add or subtract.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can correctly evaluate expressions such as 72 ÷ (6 + 3) × 4 − 7. They show each step and apply equal-priority operations from left to right.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may calculate every operation from left to right, ignoring the operation order. Some think multiplication always comes before division. Others skip the parentheses or apply them to more than the enclosed terms.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: Evaluate 48 ÷ (4 + 2) × 3 − 5, circle the operation completed first, and show each step.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs number and operation cards to build and solve expressions with one pair of parentheses, recording each rewrite.
Ask, “Which answer is correct for 24 ÷ 6 × 2, 2 or 8?” Students defend the left-to-right rule in writing.
Play Order of Operations Bingo: call an expression, students solve it, then cover the matching value on their boards.
Calculate four identical snack orders, each with food plus a delivery fee, using 4 × (18 + 3).
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Printable 5.CE.4.a.i Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 5.CE.4.a.i, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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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...
- 8.PFA.1
The student will represent, simplify, and generate equivalent algebraic expressions in one variable.
- 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.iv
expressions should not include braces, brackets, or fraction bars.
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