“One Incorrect” Order of Operations Activity

I love this “One Incorrect” Order of Operations Activity that was shared by Greta Bergman. 

Students are given 8 expressions. 7 of the expressions simplify to -13. 1 of them doesn’t.

I challenge students to complete problems until they find the one that doesn’t equal -13. I tell them that when they find that one, they may stop. Of course, they have to get their work checked by me.

Students are always eager to get their work checked when they get an answer that isn’t -13. Usually, I find some error in their work, point it out to them, and send them back to re-work the problem. So, they end up getting LOTS of practice!