10 BODMAS Practice Worksheets for 11+ Success
BODMAS Mistakes Cost Students 10-15 Marks on 11+ Maths
The order of operations (BODMAS/BIDMAS) appears in almost every 11+ maths paper. It's tested directly in calculation questions and hidden within word problems, algebra, and multi-step challenges.
The problem? Most students learn BODMAS once, then never practice enough to avoid careless mistakes under exam pressure.
The solution: Progressive, targeted practice that builds confidence and eliminates errors.
What Is BODMAS and Why Does It Matter?
BODMAS (also called BIDMAS or PEMDAS) is the rule for the order in which mathematical operations should be performed:
- B - Brackets (or Parentheses)
- O - Orders (Powers and Square Roots)
- D - Division
- M - Multiplication
- A - Addition
- S - Subtraction
Example:
Question: 5 + 3 × 2
Wrong answer: 16 (if you do 5+3 first = 8, then 8×2 = 16)
Right answer: 11 (multiplication first: 3×2 = 6, then 5+6 = 11)
This concept appears in 15-20% of all 11+ maths questions. Students who haven't mastered it lose marks on otherwise simple problems.
Common BODMAS Mistakes Students Make
❌ The Top 5 Errors We See:
- Working left to right automatically - Ignoring the order rules entirely
- Forgetting brackets change everything - Not calculating inside brackets first
- Confusing division and multiplication priority - They're equal! Work left to right when both appear
- Missing implied brackets - In fractions, the numerator and denominator act like they're in brackets
- Rushing under time pressure - Careless mistakes on questions they know how to do
Our worksheet bundle addresses all five of these problem areas with progressive practice.
What's Included in the 10-Worksheet Bundle
Each worksheet targets a specific skill level and BODMAS concept. Together, they provide comprehensive mastery from basic understanding to exam-level complexity.
Worksheet 1: BODMAS Basics
- 15 simple questions introducing the order of operations
- Two-operation problems (e.g., 8 + 2 × 3)
- Focus: Understanding why order matters
Worksheet 2: Adding Brackets
- 15 questions with brackets
- Problems like: (5 + 3) × 2 vs. 5 + (3 × 2)
- Focus: Brackets always come first
Worksheet 3: Orders (Powers and Roots)
- 15 questions introducing exponents and square roots
- Examples: 2³ + 5, √16 × 2
- Focus: Powers come after brackets but before multiplication
Worksheet 4: Multi-Step Calculations
- 20 questions with 4-5 operations
- Examples: 12 ÷ 3 + 5 × 2 - 4
- Focus: Systematic working through complex problems
Worksheet 5: Nested Brackets
- 15 questions with brackets inside brackets
- Examples: (5 + (3 × 2)) - 4
- Focus: Working from innermost brackets outward
Worksheet 6: Fractions and BODMAS
- 15 questions combining fractions with order of operations
- Examples: 3/4 + 1/2 × 2
- Focus: Understanding implied brackets in fractions
Worksheet 7: Decimals and BODMAS
- 15 questions using decimal numbers
- Examples: 2.5 × 4 + 3.2 ÷ 0.4
- Focus: Applying rules with decimal precision
Worksheet 8: Negative Numbers
- 15 questions involving negative numbers
- Examples: -5 + 3 × (-2)
- Focus: Combining BODMAS with integer rules
Worksheet 9: Word Problems
- 20 real-world problems requiring BODMAS
- Examples: "Sarah bought 3 books for £8 each and 2 pens for £1.50 each. How much did she spend?"
- Focus: Translating words into mathematical expressions
Worksheet 10: Exam-Level Mixed Practice
- 20 challenging questions at 11+ exam difficulty
- Mix of all previous concepts
- Timed practice (30 minutes recommended)
- Focus: Exam readiness and speed
What Else You Get
Detailed Answer Keys
Step-by-step solutions showing exactly how to arrive at each answer
Common Mistakes Guide
Explanation of where students typically go wrong and how to avoid it
Progress Tracker
Printable chart to record scores and monitor improvement
Quick Reference Card
One-page BODMAS rules reminder for exam day
5-Week Practice Schedule
Structured plan to complete all worksheets systematically
Printable Format
High-quality PDFs ready to print and use immediately
Suitable for All Exam Boards
Works for GL Assessment, CEM, and independent school exams
Instant Digital Download
Start practicing today—no shipping, no waiting
Get All 10 BODMAS Worksheets (£9.99)
150+ questions with full solutions, progress tracker, and common mistakes guide. Master BODMAS in 5 weeks!
The 5-Week BODMAS Mastery Plan
Follow this schedule to systematically master BODMAS before your 11+ exam:
Week 1: Foundation (Worksheets 1-2)
- Monday-Wednesday: Complete Worksheet 1 (BODMAS Basics)
- Thursday-Friday: Complete Worksheet 2 (Adding Brackets)
- Weekend: Review any mistakes, redo incorrect problems
Week 2: Building Complexity (Worksheets 3-4)
- Monday-Wednesday: Complete Worksheet 3 (Orders)
- Thursday-Sunday: Complete Worksheet 4 (Multi-Step Calculations)
Week 3: Advanced Concepts (Worksheets 5-6)
- Monday-Wednesday: Complete Worksheet 5 (Nested Brackets)
- Thursday-Sunday: Complete Worksheet 6 (Fractions and BODMAS)
Week 4: Challenging Applications (Worksheets 7-8)
- Monday-Wednesday: Complete Worksheet 7 (Decimals)
- Thursday-Sunday: Complete Worksheet 8 (Negative Numbers)
Week 5: Exam Preparation (Worksheets 9-10)
- Monday-Wednesday: Complete Worksheet 9 (Word Problems)
- Thursday: Complete Worksheet 10 under timed conditions
- Friday-Sunday: Review all errors, revisit weak areas
Tips for Maximum Progress
1. Work Slowly at First
Accuracy is more important than speed initially. Speed will come naturally with practice.
2. Show Your Working
Even on simple questions, write each step. This prevents careless errors and builds good exam habits.
3. Check Answers Immediately
Don't complete an entire worksheet before checking. Do 5 questions, check them, learn from mistakes, then continue.
4. Explain Your Thinking
If working with a parent, explain WHY you performed each operation in that order. Verbalizing reinforces understanding.
5. Time Yourself (Eventually)
Once accuracy is consistent, add time pressure to simulate exam conditions.
Real Results from Real Parents
"My son always struggled with order of operations. After working through these worksheets over 4 weeks, he hasn't missed a BODMAS question since!"
"The progressive difficulty was perfect. Each worksheet challenged her just enough without overwhelming. By worksheet 10, she was flying through exam-level questions."
"Wish we'd found these earlier! The worked solutions are incredibly detailed—better than most tutors provide."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What age/year group are these worksheets for?
A: Perfect for Year 5-6 students preparing for 11+ exams. Year 4 students with strong foundations can also benefit.
Q: How long does each worksheet take?
A: Early worksheets: 15-20 minutes. Later worksheets: 25-30 minutes. Worksheet 10 (exam practice) is designed as a 30-minute timed test.
Q: Are these suitable for all exam boards?
A: Yes! BODMAS is a fundamental concept tested across GL Assessment, CEM, and independent school exams.
Q: Can I reuse the worksheets?
A: Absolutely. Many parents laminate them or print multiple copies for repeated practice.
Q: What if my child finds them too difficult?
A: Start with Worksheet 1 and work slowly. If needed, supplement with our free BODMAS tutorial (included in the download). Some students take longer—that's fine!
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee. If these don't help your child, simply email us for a full refund.
Why £9.99 Is Exceptional Value
Compare the alternatives:
- One tutoring session: £30-50 (covers one topic once)
- Maths workbook: £10-15 (maybe 20 BODMAS questions scattered throughout)
- Online subscriptions: £20-30/month (requires screen time, no physical practice)
Our bundle: £9.99 for 150+ targeted questions, full solutions, progress tracking, and unlimited printing. Use it for months. Reuse for siblings. That's incredible value.
Give Your Child BODMAS Confidence
📥 Download 10-Worksheet Bundle - £9.99✅ Instant download | ✅ 30-day guarantee | ✅ Unlimited printing
Want Comprehensive 11+ Maths Practice?
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