Math3-5
Parentheses and Order of Operations Practice Set
By Lacey K.
A short practice packet for 5th graders that teaches how parentheses change the value of numerical expressions, with a worked example comparing expressions with and without parentheses. Students build skills in evaluating expressions and applying order of operations, supported by a matching activity and practice problems suited to a 30-45 minute math block.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a warm-up or guided practice after introducing order of operations, working through the worked example together before students attempt the matching column.
- Discussion question: Why does adding parentheses to 4 + 6 × 2 change the answer from 16 to 20?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: have students underline the operation they must do first in each expression and write the step number above each symbol before solving.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to write their own expression with two sets of nested parentheses and explain each step in order.
- Estimated time: about 30-45 minutes for the example, matching, and practice problems together.
Math3-5
Parentheses and Order of Operations Practice Set
By Lacey K.
A short practice packet for 5th graders that teaches how parentheses change the value of numerical expressions, with a worked example comparing expressions with and without parentheses. Students build skills in evaluating expressions and applying order of operations, supported by a matching activity and practice problems suited to a 30-45 minute math block.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a warm-up or guided practice after introducing order of operations, working through the worked example together before students attempt the matching column.
- Discussion question: Why does adding parentheses to 4 + 6 × 2 change the answer from 16 to 20?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: have students underline the operation they must do first in each expression and write the step number above each symbol before solving.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to write their own expression with two sets of nested parentheses and explain each step in order.
- Estimated time: about 30-45 minutes for the example, matching, and practice problems together.