Simplifying · Just Numbers · A3

A term is a product.

Multiplication and division bind tighter than addition and subtraction. So in 4 + 5 × 2, the 5 × 2 is a single term worth 10. This is exactly why, later, 2x is one term.

01 / THE IDEA

See it simplify.

One step at a time

Do the strongest operation first.

0 / 2
4 + 5 × 2
— / WHY IT WORKS

The idea underneath.

Order of operations

A term may be a product like 5 × 2. Evaluate each term (its × and ÷) before adding or subtracting. This grouping is what makes 2x a single term.

Why it works

A term is a little package; × and ÷ live inside it.

03 / WORKED EXAMPLES

From easy to tricky.

EX 1easy

5 + 6 × 6

1

Step

6 × 6 = 36

2

Step

5 + 36 = 41

EX 2medium

14 ÷ 2 + 3

1

Step

14 ÷ 2 = 7

2

Step

7 + 3 = 10

EX 3hard

10 × 5 - 6

1

Step

10 × 5 = 50

2

Step

50 - 6 = 44

04 / COMMON TRAPS

Where students slip.

Trap

Going strictly left to right: 4 + 5 × 2 = 18.

Fix

No — × first: 4 + 10 = 14.

Trap

Adding before multiplying.

Fix

Multiply and divide before you add and subtract.

05 / QUIZ

Test yourself.

The Test

12 problems across three tiers. Auto-graded on submit. Hints and a full walkthrough on every question. Your work is saved on this device — sign in to keep it across devices.

0/12Answered
How to answerType just the value. Formatting won't trip you up — we ignore spaces, capital letters, commas, and subscript style, so t₁ = 5, d = 3 and t1=5,d=3 both count. For a list of numbers, separate them with commas (e.g. 3, 10, 17).
Core

Core (4)

C1

5 + 6 × 6

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
C2

36 ÷ 6 + 2

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
C3

2 + 3 × 6

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
C4

12 ÷ 3 + 5

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
Apply

Apply (4)

A1

14 ÷ 2 + 3

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
A2

5 × 9 - 3

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
A3

21 ÷ 3 + 5

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
A4

6 ÷ 2 + 9

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
Extension

Extension (4)

E1

10 × 5 - 6

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
E2

12 + 3 × 5

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
E3

12 ÷ 6 + 6

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.
E4

7 + 8 × 5

Need a hint?
  • Do × and ÷ before + and −.
  • A product like 5 × 2 is one term.