Year 5/6 Bulletin
BODMAS
Learning Intention: To apply the BODMAS rule to solve a variety of equations with multiple operations.
Learning experience overview:
What is BODMAS?
BODMAS is an acronym to help children remember the order of mathematical operations – the correct order in which to solve maths problems.
Bodmas stands for B-Brackets, O-Orders (powers/indices or roots), D-Division, M-Multiplication, A-Addition, S-Subtraction.
Launch:
How would you solve the following equations?
Below is an example question showing the process or steps we use to answer a BODMAS equation. Students completed example equations in their math book.
53-(424)+202=
53-(164)+202=
53-4+202 =
125-4+20=
125-24=101
Following the launch, each student completed a differentiated activity aimed at their point of need:
- Enable - Equations involving two operations, i.e. 15 - 5 x 3 =
- Explore - Multiple BODMAS equations with various operations, i.e.23-(423)+122=
- Extend - Using their knowledge of BODMAS students were asked to complete the following task
Using all of the digits, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and any operations-
- What is the largest possible number you can make?
- What is the smallest number you can make?
In this unit, students have implemented:
An understanding of BODMAS:
Students work to grasp the concept of BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction) and its importance in solving mathematical expressions correctly.
Order of Operations:
Students apply the correct order of operations when solving expressions, focusing on brackets, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Students use problem-solving skills to solve a variety of mathematical expressions and equations using BODMAS principles.
Accuracy and Efficiency:
Accuracy and efficiency is essential when following the BODMAS rules to avoid errors and simplify complex expressions.
Critical Thinking:
Critical thinking skills are required by students to analyse expressions, identify the order of operations, and justify their solutions through mathematical reasoning.
Examples of student work:
What you can do to continue this learning at home:
- Have discussions about how order of operations works and its importance when calculating equations.
- Create your own BODMAS equations and work through them together.
- There are multiple BODMAS and order of operations games and fun worksheets that can be downloaded and completed from online resources.
Jenny, and Brad
Year 5/6 Team