Order of Operations
Riddles for Hands-On Learning
Add an extra dimension to teaching Order of Operations with this fun, hands-on activity that
your students will LOVE. Print a “3-7-12-2 number strip” for each student as well as a set of
the “game pieces” (operations, parentheses, and exponents). These can be laminated for
repeated use, or simply copied on paper to use instantly. Write an answer from the key on
the board and then have students place the game pieces on the number strips to make the
equation that equals the answer.
Tips:
• Choose problems from the appropriate level to meet the needs of your students. Level 3
will be VERY challenging for even some of the advanced students in your class, so you
might want to work your way up the levels to familiarize your students with the activity.
• As you move up the levels, give your students hints, if needed (e.g. “This problem will use
parentheses,” “This problem will use exponents” etc.).
• This makes a great activity for students to do in pairs. This option will foster great math
discussions in your class.
• There is an “Answer Recording Sheet” for students to record their answers; this is a
nice option if you would like students to complete this activity independently or in a
center.
Thank you so much for downloading this resource. It’s important to me that you love this
activity just as much as I do, so please contact me if you have ANY questions, comments, or
suggestions. If you found this teaching tool to be valuable in your classroom, I would greatly
appreciate it if you would direct your friends and colleagues to my Teachers-Pay-Teachers store.
Thanks,
Melissa
GotToTeach@icloud.com
www.GotToTeach.com
© Copyright 2014 M. Tallman. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy pages specifically designed
for student or teacher use by the original purchaser or licensee. The reproduction of any other part of
this product is strictly prohibited. Copying any part of this product and placing it on the Internet in any
form (even a personal/classroom website) is strictly forbidden. Doing so makes it possible for an Internet
search to make the document available on the Internet, free of charge, and is a violation of the Digital
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
3 7 12 2
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
3 7 12 2
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
23
23
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
() () () ()
23
23
+- • ÷ +- • ÷ +- • ÷ +- • ÷
Print 1 page for every 4 students.
Riddles for Hands-On Learning
Order of Operations
Order of Operations
Answer Recording Sheet
Order of Operations
Answer Recording Sheet
Name:
Name:
1.
3 7 12 2 = 45
1.
3 7 12 2 = 45
2.
3 7 12 2 = 11
2.
3 7 12 2 = 11
3.
3 7 12 2 = 15
3.
3 7 12 2 = 15
4.
3 7 12 2 = 85
4.
3 7 12 2 = 85
5.
3 7 12 2 = 31
5.
3 7 12 2 = 31
6.
3 7 12 2 = 55
6.
3 7 12 2 = 55
7.
3 7 12 2 = 60
7.
3 7 12 2 = 60
8.
3 7 12 2 = 51
8.
3 7 12 2 = 51
9.
3 7 12 2 = 29
9.
3 7 12 2 = 29
10.
3 7 12 2 = 20
10.
3 7 12 2 = 20
11.
3 7 12 2 = 26
11.
3 7 12 2 = 26
12.
3 7 12 2 = 52
12.
3 7 12 2 = 52
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
Order of Operations
KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Riddles for Hands-On Learning
3+7•
3 • 73 • 73+7 •
© M. Tallman 2014 www.GotToTeach.com
= 45
= 11
= 15
= 85
12 ÷ 2
12 + 2
12 ÷ 2
12 - 2
3 • 7+ (12 - 2)
3 • (7 + 12) - 2
(3 + 7) • 12 ÷ 2
3 • (7 + 12 - 2)
= 31
= 55
= 60
= 51
3 • 7 + 12 - 2
2
(3 + 7 - 12) ÷ 2
3
(3 - 7) + 12 ÷ 2
3
2
3 + 7 - (12 • 2)
= 29
= 20
= 26
= 52
2
Level 1
No parentheses or
exponents. Just
addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and
division.
Level 2
Parentheses are
introduced.
No exponents.
Level 3
Includes all four
operations,
parentheses, and
exponents.
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