How to Solve Math Problems Using the GEMDAS Rule

Sheena Doria

This instructional video provides a clear, step-by-step guide to understanding and applying the GEMDAS rule for the order of operations in mathematics. Guided by an animated teacher avatar, the lesson breaks down the acronym letter by letter: Grouping symbols, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, and Addition/Subtraction. The narration places special emphasis on the critical "left-to-right" rule for operations of equal precedence, addressing a common student misconception. The video features three distinct examples of increasing complexity, solved step-by-step on screen. Visual cues, such as yellow highlighting boxes, clearly indicate which part of the numerical expression is being evaluated at each stage, helping students track the logic of simplifying complex problems. The structured approach models how to rewrite equations line-by-line as they are solved. Ideal for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, this resource serves as an excellent introduction to order of operations or a review tool. It concludes with a summary of the rules and a "Try This" challenge problem, encouraging active participation and providing an immediate opportunity for formative assessment.