PEMDAS Patrol Worksheet PEMDAS Patrol
Finding and Fixing Mathematical Mistakes
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Video Briefing Notes
While watching the video, jot down the "Rules of the Road" for these specific situations:
Implicit Multiplication (Problem #3)
Addition vs. Subtraction (Problem #4)
The Crime Scene: Find the Flaws
Below are 5 solved problems. Three of them contain a mistake. Your mission: Identify if it is correct or incorrect. If it's wrong, explain the error and solve it correctly.
Problem 1: \( 15 - 3 + 4 \)
Correct Incorrect
Student solution provided:
Identify Error & Solve Correctly:
Problem 2: \( 2(3+4)^2 \)
Correct Incorrect
Student solution provided:
Identify Error & Solve Correctly:
Problem 3: \( 5 + 4^3 \)
Correct Incorrect
Student solution provided:
Identify Error & Solve Correctly:
Problem 4: \( 10(4 - 2) + 3^2 \)
Correct Incorrect
Student solution provided:
Identify Error & Solve Correctly:
Problem 5: \( 6 \div 2(1 + 2) \)
Correct Incorrect
Student solution provided:
Identify Error & Solve Correctly:
Patrol Debrief
Which of the PEMDAS rules was the most common "trap" for these students? Why do you think that is?
PEMDAS Patrol Exit Ticket Exit Ticket: The Silent Operator
Name: __________________________
Date: _________________
Why is \( 8(3+2) \) different from \( 8 \times 3 + 2 \)?
Value of \( 8(3+2) \)
Value of \( 8 \times 3 + 2 \)
Explain the difference in the order of steps used for each:
P.E.M.D.A.S. P.E.M.D.A.S. P.E.M.D.A.S.
PEMDAS Patrol Slides PEMDAS Patrol
Investigating Order of Operations
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication
The Math Mystery
"Two students solved the same exact problem, followed every step correctly (they thought!), but got completely different answers."
How is that possible?
Could both be right? (No.)
Could the rules be confusing? (Maybe.)
Is there a 'secret' rule we're missing?
Surveillance Footage
Now Playing
Embedded media
Watch Problem #3:
Look for "Implicit Multiplication." What does a number right next to parentheses mean?
Watch Problem #4:
Pay attention to the Left-to-Right rule for Adding and Subtracting.
EXPONENT TRAP!
33 ≠ 9
"3 cubed does NOT mean 3 times 3. It means 3 times 3 times 3."
3 × 3 × 3 = 27
The Level 4 Tie-Breaker
A
Addition
EQUAL PRIORITY
S
Subtraction
"Always solve from Left to Right , just like reading a book!"
PATROL MISSION
You are now part of the PEMDAS Patrol . There are math criminals out there solving problems incorrectly. Your job is to find the mistakes, explain why they are wrong, and fix them.
1. FIND
Identify which problems are wrong.
2. EXPLAIN
Describe the mistake in words.
3. FIX
Solve the problem correctly.
PEMDAS Patrol Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: PEMDAS Patrol
Lesson Objective: Analyze and correct common Order of Operations errors.
7th Grade Math
Lesson Pacing
0-5 min: Hook & Scenario5-20 min: Video Analysis & Focus Questions20-40 min: 'Find the Mistake' Worksheet Activity40-45 min: Exit Ticket & Reflection
Materials Needed
• PEMDAS Patrol Slide Deck
• Student Worksheet (1 per student)
• Exit Ticket (1 per student)
• Internet access for Mr. J Video
Instructional Roadmap
1 The Hook (5 min)
Prompt: "Two students solve the same problem and get different answers. How is that possible?"
Encourage students to think about how rules can be interpreted differently. Do not give the answer yet; let them sit with the "mystery."
2 Video Analysis (15 min)
Use the slides to guide the viewing. Pause at the timestamps noted in the video brief:
3:40: Discuss 3^3. Ask why students might write '9'.4:23: Discuss implicit multiplication. Point out the lack of a × sign.7:00: Critical moment. Explain that Addition and Subtraction are the same level.
3 Worksheet Activity (20 min)
Students work independently or in pairs to "Patrol" the math problems. Emphasize that finding the mistake is only half the job—they must also explain the mathematical reasoning behind why it's a mistake.
Worksheet Answer Key
Prob 1: Incorrect. Error: Added before subtracting. Correct Steps: \( 15-3=12, 12+4=16 \). Ans: 16.
Prob 2: Correct. Parentheses (7), then Exponents (49), then Multiplication (98).
Prob 3: Incorrect. Error: Calculated \( 4 \times 3 \) instead of \( 4 \times 4 \times 4 \). Correct Steps: \( 4^3 = 64, 5 + 64 = 69 \). Ans: 69.
Prob 4: Correct. Parentheses (2), then Exponents (9), then Multiplication (20), then Addition (29).
Prob 5: Incorrect. Error: Implicit Multiplication before Division. Correct: Division & Mult are same level, go Left to Right. Correct Steps: \( 6 \div 2 = 3, 3 \times 3 = 9 \). Ans: 9.
