Understanding parentheses

Learning Objectives Identify parentheses in a number sentence. Explain that parentheses are symbols that group parts of a problem to be solved first. Solve two-step problems involving parentheses with addition and subtraction. Solve two-step problems involving parentheses with addition and multiplication. Compare the results of the same number sentence with and without parentheses to see how the answer changes. Create a number sentence with parentheses that matches a simple story problem. If you have 10 stickers and buy a pack with 5 more, then share them with a friend, how is that different from having 10 stickers and a friend gives you 5 packs of 2? 🤔 Parentheses help us solve these kinds of problems! In this lesson, you will learn about special symbols called parenthese...

TermDefinitionExample ParenthesesThe two curved symbols, ( and ), used in a math problem to show which part to do first.In the problem 10 + (5 - 2), the parentheses are around '5 - 2'. ExpressionA math sentence with numbers and operation signs, but no equals sign.3 * (4 + 6) is an expression. EquationA math sentence that says two things are equal. It has an equals sign.3 * (4 + 6) = 30 is an equation. OperationThe action you perform in math, like adding (+), subtracting (-), or multiplying (*).In 8 - 2, the operation is subtraction. GroupingUsing parentheses to put numbers and an operation together to show they belong to one part of the problem.In (2 + 7) * 3, the numbers 2 and 7 are grouped by addition.

The Parentheses First Rule Always solve the part inside the parentheses ( ) before doing anything else. When you see a math problem with parentheses, treat the part inside as a mini-problem. Solve it, and then use that answer to finish the rest of the problem. Grouping Matters Rule (a + b) * c is not the same as a + (b * c) Where you put the parentheses can change the final answer. Moving them changes which operation you do first, which gives you a different result.