Ciphering PEMDAS

This order of operations worksheet provides additional practice with three-step expressions for students building confidence with PEMDAS. Learners evaluate expressions that include parentheses, multiplication or division, and a final addition or subtraction, reinforcing consistency and accuracy across varied problem structures.

Instructional Objectives

• Skill Focus (Grades 5-7): Evaluate three-step numerical expressions using the correct order of operations.
• Conceptual Understanding (Grades 5-7): Recognize how parentheses and operation hierarchy determine the sequence of computation.
• Algebraic Reasoning (Grades 6-7): Identify structural patterns in expressions to apply PEMDAS efficiently across formats.
• Curriculum Alignment (Grades 5-7): Supports expression evaluation, operations and algebraic thinking, fluency development, and mathematical practices focused on structure.

The varied expression formats encourage students to generalize their understanding rather than rely on memorized steps. Repeated exposure builds procedural fluency while strengthening adaptability and confidence with multi-step evaluation.

Learning Benefits

• Reinforces speed and accuracy with three-step expressions
• Builds confidence through repeated, structured practice
• Effective for independent work, warm-ups, or review
• Supports students who need continued reinforcement with PEMDAS

This printable worksheet provides focused practice that helps students master three-step order-of-operations problems while strengthening fluency and structural understanding.

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