MathematicsFreePrintable

Parentheses in Math Expressions

A free mathematics worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Download now

Name:Date:

Parentheses in Math Expressions

Parentheses group numbers together. Find the value inside each set of parentheses first, then finish the rest of the expression.

Parentheses First

Choose or calculate the value of each expression.

1.In 6 + (2 × 5), which calculation should you do first?

6 + 2
2 × 5
6 + 5

2.What is the value of (7 + 2) × 3?

3.Find the value of 14 − (5 + 3).

4.Which expression has a value of 24?

(4 + 2) × 4
4 + (2 × 4)
(4 × 2) + 4

Work It Out

Calculate each expression. Work out what is inside the parentheses first.

5.Calculate (8 + 6) ÷ 2.

6.Calculate 18 − (2 × 6).

7.Calculate (9 − 4) + (3 × 2).

8.Ravi has 4 packs of 5 beads. She uses 6 beads to make a bracelet. Write an expression with parentheses to show how many beads she has left, then find the answer.

Challenge

Try these final problems.

9.Write a different expression using parentheses that equals 16. For example, use addition or multiplication, but do not use 16 as one of the numbers.

10.Calculate (5 + 3) × (4 + 1) − 10.

11.Explain why parentheses are useful in a math expression.