C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Multiplication & Division·procedural

Brackets in Expressions

Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions and evaluate expressions containing these grouping symbols

Suggested ages 10–11

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Learning journey

Your child is advancing to sophisticated multiplication and division — using formal written methods for complex calculations, working with decimals, and applying the order of operations to solve multi-step problems.

Evidence of understanding

  • Evaluate 3 × (4 + 5) by computing inside the parentheses first
  • Evaluate {2 × [3 + (7 − 1)]} with nested grouping symbols
  • Insert parentheses into an expression to make it equal a target value

Assessment prompt

Can Brackets in Expressions look at '3 × (4 + 5)' and work out the brackets first — getting '3 × 9 = 27' — rather than just multiplying left to right?

Standards alignment

5.OA.1US · ccss-math

Evaluate Numerical Expressions

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · 5