Virginia SOL 5.CE.4.a.ii
The Standard
simplification will be limited to five whole numbers and four operations in any combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
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 decide which operation to complete first in a numerical expression. They multiply and divide from left to right, then add and subtract from left to right.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose the correct first operation and work left to right when operations have equal priority. They reach the correct value and keep all unused numbers and signs in each written step.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often calculate strictly from left to right, even when addition appears before multiplication. Some treat multiplication before division, or addition before subtraction, instead of working left to right within each pair. They may drop signs or numbers when rewriting each step.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: Simplify 18 ÷ 3 × 2 + 7 − 4, show each step, and circle the operation completed first.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs tiles for 18 ÷ 3 × 2 + 7 − 4, then have them mark and solve one operation at a time.
Compare two solutions to 24 ÷ 6 × 2 + 3 − 1, and explain exactly where the incorrect solution went wrong.
Play an order relay where teams simplify expression cards, earning a point only when every intermediate line is accurate.
Calculate a class supply bill with four $6 packs, one-third of an $18 shared item, and a $5 coupon.
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Printable 5.CE.4.a.ii Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 5.CE.4.a.ii, 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...
- 5.CE.4.a.iii
whole numbers will be limited to two digits or less; and
- 5.CE.3.c.iii
divisors are limited to a single digit whole number or a decimal expressed as tenths; and
- 5.CE.4.a
Use order of operations to simplify numerical expressions with whole numbers, limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in which:*
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