This is what my classmate said in our class discussion post:

Question

What does the narrator say is wrong about PEMDAS? That they came up with a song to remember PEMDAS instead of just teaching us to remember what each letter stands for.

What does he say should be the way to teach the order of operations? That you need to teach what each letter stands for and to teach from left to right through the problem.

What is your opinion of why we need an agreement on the order of operations? If everyone could teach and learn PEMDAS all the same way It would save alot of confusion while trying to work out math problems.

This is what I said to my classmate:

1.  Do you agree with their opinion?  Yes, I agree. If everyone could teach and learn PEMDAS all the same way it would probbaly stop all the confusion. Which would make math so much better to understand.

2.  Do you feel they are justified in their opinion? 

3.  How does it compare to your opinion? 

Answer 1

It seems like your classmate has raised some valid points about the importance of a consistent understanding of the order of operations. Here’s how you could expand on your response to fully address the questions:

1. Do you agree with their opinion?
Yes, I agree with their opinion. If everyone could teach and learn PEMDAS in the same way, it would likely reduce confusion in solving math problems. A uniform method would help students grasp mathematical concepts more easily and allow them to support each other in their learning.

2. Do you feel they are justified in their opinion?
Absolutely, I believe they are justified in their opinion. When students learn math in different ways, it can create misunderstandings and inconsistencies in problem-solving. Having a standardized approach to teaching order of operations can lead to a more coherent understanding across different classrooms and learning environments.

3. How does it compare to your opinion?
Their perspective aligns closely with mine. I also feel that an agreement on the order of operations is crucial for fostering a clear understanding of mathematics. The emphasis on teaching the meaning behind each step, rather than just memorizing a sequence, is something I support as it encourages deeper comprehension rather than superficial learning.

By addressing these points, you can provide a well-rounded response that captures both your agreement and the rationale behind it.