Frequently asked questions
About the rules, the worksheets and the Teacher Pack. Something missing? email [email protected] or use the contact form at the bottom of any page.
All questions
What is the order of operations?
It is the agreed order for simplifying an expression with more than one operation: grouping symbols first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right. Without it, 2 + 3 × 4 could be read as 20 or 14; the agreed answer is 14.
Do PEMDAS, GEMDAS and BODMAS give different answers?
No. They are three names for the same rules. PEMDAS says parentheses, GEMDAS says grouping symbols, BODMAS says brackets and orders. Every problem on this site has one answer whichever name you pick; only the words in the instructions and the answer-key labels change.
In PEMDAS, does multiplication come before division?
No. Multiplication and division share one step and are done from left to right, whichever comes first. The same goes for addition and subtraction. So 24 ÷ 4 × 2 is 12, not 3. BODMAS lists D before M for the same reason PEMDAS lists M before D: a mnemonic needs some order.
How do I know the answer keys are right?
Every problem is computed with exact fractions, never rounded decimals. Before each release, tens of thousands of generated problems are checked against a second, separately written calculator that reads the printed expression, and every step in the key is checked to keep the same value.
What is the sheet code?
Each worksheet prints a short code such as P6IE-20-1ABC2D. It stores the convention, grade, options, problem count and the random seed. Type it into the Sheet code box and press Load to get the identical sheet and key again, for example to reprint for another class.
What can I do for free?
Make 3 new worksheets a day with up to 20 problems each, print them, save them as PDF or download them as HTML. Free sheets carry a small footer line, and the answer key shows every final answer plus step-by-step work for the first 3 problems. No account is needed.
What does the Teacher Pack add?
Teacher Pack is $7, paid once: unlimited worksheets, up to 30 problems, no footer line, step-by-step work for every problem in the key, 5 or 10 versions in one print job, and mixed-difficulty sheets. See pricing.
How do I save a worksheet as a PDF?
Press Print / Save as PDF, then choose Save as PDF (or Microsoft Print to PDF) as the printer. The worksheet prints on the first page and the answer key starts on a new page, so you can print only page 1 for students.
Do I need an account or an app?
No. The generator runs in your web browser on a laptop, tablet or phone. Problems are made by a math program on this page, not typed in by hand and not written by an AI.
Which grades is this for?
The presets follow what US classrooms usually cover: grade 5 uses whole numbers with parentheses, brackets and braces; grade 6 adds exponents; grade 7 adds negative numbers; grade 8 adds longer expressions and negative bases such as (−2)³. Fraction and decimal sheets work with any grade preset.
Can I copy the worksheets for my class?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your students, tutoring group or homeschool. Please do not resell the sheets.
Contact
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