The Evolution and Popularity of PEMDAS in School Curricula
Understanding the order of operations in math is a fundamental skill for students around the world. The mnemonic PEMDAS (Please Excuse MyDear Aunt Sally) is often used to teach this crucial concept. But how long has PEMDAS been a part of school curricula, and when did it become popular?
The Origin and Early Use of PEMDAS
The actual order of operations in mathematics has been taught for ages. Long before the catchy mnemonic PEMDAS was introduced, educators were teaching students about the correct sequence of operations to solve mathematical expressions. However, the specific format of using letters to represent these operations, as seen in PEMDAS, has a more recent history.
My recollection from middle school math classes in the 1980s aligns with the belief that PEMDAS was introduced around this time. The mnemonic was not a part of my personal experience until I was around 12 or 13 years old. I remember the teacher explaining the order of operations using PEMDAS, though I had no idea what it meant at the time. It was a significant part of the curriculum, and it quickly became a familiar tool for solving algebraic equations and expressions.
The Spread of PEMDAS in Elementary and Middle Schools
Interestingly, the widespread adoption of PEMDAS in schools was not immediate. My uncle, a retired military member and math teacher, could attest to this. He taught basic electronics and math classes at a trade school and was not familiar with the term PEMDAS. This suggests that the introduction of PEMDAS in school curricula was a gradual process that took place sometime between the 1980s and 2006 or so.
The term "PEMDAS" became part of the mainstream education lexicon in the United States and possibly other countries during the late 1980s to early 2000s. As educational standards and curricula evolved, this mnemonic became a standard teaching tool for introducing the order of operations to students. It made the abstract concept of operations order more accessible and easier to remember, fostering a better understanding of mathematical expressions.
PEMDAS in Modern Education
Today, PEMDAS is a well-established part of the math curriculum in many schools. It serves as a cornerstone of basic arithmetic and algebra skills, helping students to solve complex equations accurately and efficiently. The mnemonic structure of PEMDAS – Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right) – makes it a powerful teaching tool beyond elementary and middle school.
Teachers often use various teaching methods to introduce and reinforce the concept of PEMDAS. Visual aids, interactive activities, and real-life applications are common. For instance, a teacher might use a story or a game to make learning more engaging. The mnemonic device makes the concept of operations order more memorable and helps students apply it consistently in their problem-solving.
A Tribute to Education
Sadly, my uncle passed away in January at a nursing home due to the coronavirus. He was a dedicated math teacher whose legacy extends beyond the classroom. He taught basic electronics and math to students at a trade school, contributing to the educational development of many young adults. Even though he was not familiar with PEMDAS, his commitment to education and his impact on countless students’ lives will be remembered.
The ongoing evolution of educational curricula continues to incorporate effective teaching tools like PEMDAS. Educators are constantly refining their methods to better serve the diverse learning needs of students. The introduction of PEMDAS in the late 1980s or early 2000s marks a significant milestone in the teaching of mathematics, making the order of operations a familiar and accessible concept for generations of students.
Conclusion
While the actual order of operations in mathematics predates the 1980s, the mnemonic PEMDAS has become an essential part of modern math education. It provides a clear and concise way to teach the order of operations, helping students to solve complex equations. The gradual spread of PEMDAS in school curricula reflects the changing demands of education and the need for effective teaching tools. As we look back on the history of PEMDAS, we can appreciate its role in shaping the way we teach and learn mathematics today.