Four-Step Word Problems

This order of operations worksheet helps students translate real-world situations into four-step numerical expressions and evaluate them using PEMDAS. Learners analyze multi-part scenarios, determine the correct sequence of operations, and compute accurate results, strengthening both modeling skills and operational reasoning.

Instructional Objectives

• Skill Focus (Grades 6-8): Translate word problems into four-step numerical expressions and evaluate them using the correct order of operations.
• Conceptual Understanding (Grades 6-8): Identify how real-world actions map to mathematical operations and why order matters when solving.
• Algebraic Reasoning (Grades 7-8): Create and evaluate expressions that involve grouping, combining, adjusting, and comparing quantities.
• Curriculum Alignment (Grades 6-8): Supports problem modeling, order of operations mastery, multi-step reasoning, and real-world application standards.

Each scenario requires students to slow down, interpret the situation carefully, and decide which operations belong inside parentheses and which follow. This emphasis on structure helps learners avoid common PEMDAS mistakes while building confidence with multi-step word problems.

Learning Benefits

• Strengthens translation from words to mathematical expressions
• Builds confidence with real-world multi-step problem solving
• Encourages careful reasoning and step-by-step planning
• Effective for guided instruction, independent practice, or assessment

This printable worksheet provides meaningful, application-based practice that helps students master four-step expressions and apply the order of operations accurately in real-life contexts.

This worksheet is part of our 4-Step Order of Operations Worksheets collection.