- Definition
An operation is a mathematical action like adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing numbers.
In the problem 5 × 3, multiplication is the operation you use to find the total.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A math operation is like an action you do with your toys — you can add more to a pile, take some away, or make equal groups.
Ask your child: What action are you doing with the numbers in this problem?
Common mix-up: Kids might think 'operation' just means adding or subtracting. An operation is any action you perform on numbers, including multiplying to make groups or dividing to share.
Examples
- Using subtraction to find out how many cookies are left after some are eaten.
- Using addition to find the total number of stickers on two pages.
operation is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+3 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
