Order of Ops (Add/Sub) Game

Order of Ops (Add/Sub) Quiz/Game
Welcome to Order Ops (Add/Sub). In this game, your goal is to rewrite a long math expression as a single number by solving it one piece at a time. This game specifically teaches you how to handle Addition and Subtraction when they appear together. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.

Check out the following Order of Operations Games/Quizzes for the complete PEMDAS series.

 

 

How to play the Order of Ops (Add/Sub) Game

1. Analyze the Expression
   When the game starts, you will see a long line of numbers and symbols (like 20 - 5 + 8 - 2).
   

2. Apply the “Left-to-Right” Rule
   In math, Addition and Subtraction are equal in power. This means you must solve the operation that is furthest to the left first.
   Don’t jump to the end because the numbers look easier.
   Don’t assume addition comes before subtraction.
   

3. Type the “New” Line
   Look at the first two numbers and the symbol between them. Solve just that part, then type out the entire rest of the line with your new answer.
   Example: If the problem is 10 + 5 - 2.
   You solve 10 + 5 = 15.
   You type 15 - 2 into the box and hit Enter.
   

4. Watch the “History Trail”
   Each time you get a step right, your previous work moves up into the “History” section. This shows you exactly how the expression is being simplified.
   If you make a mistake, the game will tell you to check your math or your order.
   

5. Reach the Final Answer
   Keep simplifying until only one number is left. Once you solve the final piece, you’ll see a success message and can start a New Challenge.
   

6. Streaks and Feedback
   ✅ Correct: The line moves up into the “History,” and you get a satisfying chime.
   ❌ Wrong Order: If you try to add before you multiply (e.g., typing 15 * 2 in the example above), your Streak will reset to 0.
   🔥 Streaks: To grow your streak, you must finish a whole problem without making a single mistake.
   

The Strategy: Left to Right
The most common mistake students make is thinking they must add before they subtract because A comes before S in PEMDAS.
Correct Way: Addition and Subtraction are “siblings”—they have the same power. You must solve them in the order they appear from left to right.
Example Problem: 15 - 5 + 2
Wrong Way: You see the “+” and do 5 + 2 first.
15 - 7 = 8 ❌
Right Way: You go from left to right.
15 - 5 comes first.
15 - 5 = 10
10 + 2 = 12 ✅

Tips for Success
Whole Numbers Only: The game is programmed to never force you into negative numbers. If you solve from left to right, every answer will be a positive whole number.
Ignore the Spaces: You can type “15-2” or “15 - 2”—the game is smart enough to understand both.
The “Sibling” Rule: Remember that + and - are like siblings. Neither is the “boss” of the other; they just take turns based on who is standing first in line.

Order of Operations

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Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.

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