Te reo Māori terms
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Learning objective overview
Master Teaching Guide coverage for this objective.
Current NZC (2007)
NA4-8
New NZC (2026)
NZC26-P4-NUM-NSO-K-Y9-08NZC26-P4-NUM-NSO-K-Y9-09
Resources
- Dr Austin Maths - Order of Operations Practice GridQuestions PDF · Answers
- Beta: Skills in Ex 1.01, pg 4
- CorbettMaths Order of Operations (BODMAS)Questions PDF · Answers
Terminology
- gema
- bedmas
- simplify
- grouping symbols (brackets, fraction bars)
- exponents (indices, powers)
- multiplication / division
- addition / subtraction
- operation
- evaluate
Task goals
- Evaluate a numeric expression involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and brackets by applying the correct order of operations.
- Decide which of two possible evaluations of an expression is correct, and explain why the order of operations matters, such as why 2+3x4 does not equal (2+3)x4.
- Evaluate a numeric expression that also includes exponents, applying the order of operations.
- Substitute given numeric values into an algebraic expression and simplify it using the correct order of operations, including expressions with brackets and exponents.
- Insert brackets into a given expression, or complete a missing number, so that the expression evaluates to a stated target value.
- Identify and explain the error in an incorrect application of the order of operations, including comparing two students' differing answers to decide who is correct.
- Solve for an unknown value in an equation that requires applying the order of operations to both sides.
- Create an original expression from given numbers that evaluates to a target value, using the order of operations.
Where this fits
What leads into this objective, and where it goes next.
Before
Relationship between percentages, fractions, and decimals
Operations with Decimals
Irrational numbers
You are here
Simplifying Expressions with GEMA / BEDMAS
Know
The order of operations is important when evaluating or forming expressions. Operations are done as follows: 1. grouped operations (e.g. expressions under a square root, involving the numerator of a fraction, or inside brackets) 2. exponents or powers 3. multiplication and division, from left to right 4. addition and subtraction, from left to right.
Statement▸
Year 9 · Number · Number structures and operations
NZC26-P4-NUM-NSO-K-Y9-08
Know
A mnemonic, such as GEMA — Grouped (e.g. √(3^2 + 4^2)), Exponents (e.g. (−2)^3), Multiplicative (× and ÷), Additive (+ and −) — can be used to remember the order of operations.
Statement▸
Year 9 · Number · Number structures and operations
NZC26-P4-NUM-NSO-K-Y9-09
Also under NA4-8:
For teachers
Need the fuller teaching notes for this objective? Open the Teacher guidance PDF.