STUDENT SHEET
Order of Operations — Expressions and Equations
Grade 6 · Lesson 1 · Dimensions 6A p.2
Math Book 6 · sheet 1
Warm-up — yesterday: Grade 5 — multiplying by tens
Work out 7 × 400.What we are learning
An EXPRESSION is a calculation with no equals sign. An EQUATION states that two expressions are equal.
How it is done — keep this beside you
These steps stay on your page while you work. If you get stuck, find the step you are on and read it again before you put your hand up.
1
Here is a calculation.
3 + 4 × 2
2
It has no equals sign, so it is an expression. It has a value.
3 + 4 × 2
expression → value
3
Now I claim its value is 11.
3 + 4 × 2
expression → value
3 + 4 × 2 = 11
4
An equals sign has appeared. This is now an equation.
3 + 4 × 2
expression → value
3 + 4 × 2 = 11
equation
5
An equation can be TRUE or FALSE. An expression can only be evaluated.
3 + 4 × 2
expression → value
3 + 4 × 2 = 11
equation
expression: evaluate · equation: judge
Practice
I DOteacher builds it, nothing erasedIs 5 × 3 − 2 an expression or an equation? Evaluate it.
- No equals sign, so it is an expression.
- Multiplication first: 15 − 2.
- 13
WE DO 1together, on whiteboardsIs 12 ÷ 4 = 3 an expression or an equation? Is it true?
Look for the equals sign first. Boards up.
WE DO 2together, on whiteboardsIs 8 + 2 × 5 = 50 an expression or an equation? Is it true?
Careful — evaluate properly before you judge it.
YOU DOindependent, from the bookBook 6A p.2 — the Do section, clipped onto the slide

Ask yourself: “Is there an equals sign?”