PEMDAS Word Riddles

This order of operations worksheet challenges students to solve engaging word riddles by translating real-world scenarios into numerical expressions and evaluating them using PEMDAS. Learners interpret situations involving grouping, multiplication, and additive adjustments, then complete all three steps to determine each final answer, strengthening both literacy and mathematical reasoning.

Instructional Objectives

• Skill Focus (Grades 5-7): Translate word-based riddles into three-step numerical expressions and evaluate them using the correct order of operations.
• Conceptual Understanding (Grades 5-7): Understand how real-world actions correspond to mathematical operations and sequencing.
• Algebraic Reasoning (Grades 6-7): Construct and solve multi-step expressions that model contextual situations accurately.
• Curriculum Alignment (Grades 5-7): Supports problem solving, expressions and equations, mathematical literacy, and modeling standards.

Each riddle requires close reading, careful interpretation, and deliberate planning before computation. By moving from words to symbols, students deepen their understanding of numerical relationships and reinforce disciplined use of PEMDAS.

Learning Benefits

• Builds strong connections between reading comprehension and math reasoning
• Encourages creative, engaging problem solving
• Reinforces accurate multi-step computation
• Ideal for enrichment, math centers, or advanced practice

This printable worksheet provides a motivating way for students to practice translating and solving multi-step expressions, helping them build confidence with PEMDAS while strengthening mathematical literacy and reasoning skills.

This worksheet is part of our 3-Step Order of Operations Worksheets collection.