You have investigated how to translate a word problem into mathematical operations and how to use the 4-step problem solving model. Now, you will focus on justifying an operation that you, or a student like you, have selected in order to solve a problem.

For each problem below, Jaime needs to select an operation and write an expression to solve the problem. You will help Jaime by selecting the operation from the list, and selecting the correct expression. Click the Submit button to check your answer for each problem.

Use your results from the interactive to answer the following questions.

• How does the order of the actions being performed in the problem affect the order of the operations that you select?

  Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

  Check Your Answer

  If a particular action is done first, then the mathematical operation resulting from that action should be done first.

• If you need to add or subtract before multiplying or dividing, how can you override the order of operations, which tell you to multiply or divide before adding or subtracting?

  Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

  Check Your Answer

  To override the order of operations, use grouping symbols such as parentheses.