Mastering Order of Operations: A Key Step for Primary 5 & 6 Success

The Order of Operations is one of the most essential math concepts for Primary 5 and 6 students — and a common source of careless mistakes. Understanding how to apply BODMAS (or BMDAS) correctly helps students solve expressions accurately and prepares them for more complex topics like fractions, algebra, and word problems in upper primary and PSLE. Students who master this concept gain greater confidence when tackling multi-step questions and improve their overall problem-solving speed. 

Many students learn BODMAS the wrong way and it causes avoidable mistakes. They’re told “multiply before divide” and “add before subtract,” but that isn’t true. Kids also mix up a leading minus (a negative) with subtraction and forget that a fraction bar groups like brackets. 

The fix: At Concept Math, we teach the Order of Operations through our unique Concept-Before-Practice approach — using visual aids, examples, and rhythm-based techniques that make remembering Order of Operations fun and intuitive. 

 📘 Download our free “Order of Operations” Practice Booklet, specially curated by Concept Math teachers for Primary 4 and 5 students. It includes step-by-step examples, engaging drills, and common exam pitfalls to avoid.