7.2 The student will simplify expressions that contain rational numbers (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals) and positive exponents, using order of operations, mental mathematics, and appropriate tools.

Direction for Online Applets

Hands-On Activities

Other Web Sites

  • E-Lab: Play a game using order of operations to simplify an expression. Click Play Again to begin the game. Follow the directions on the recording sheet to complete the activity.
  • Math.com: This site is a tutorial and practice site for order of operations.
  • ExploreLearning Teachers have to assign the Order of Operations to their classes.
  • Larson´s Software Students need to be enrolled by their teachers. Click on the Whole Numbers and Operations, then click on Order of Operations.

Lesson 1-3: Simplify Numeric Expressions

This section covers the order in which operations are carried out to evaluate numerical expressions.




If more than one operation in a calculation has the same precedence, the operations are carried out from left-to-right. In the example below, you divide then multiply and finally add.

Evaluate the expression, when x is -3, 3, -2 or 5.

Check your work by entering a value for (x) below. The applet will show the step-by-step process of evaulating the expression.