5th Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
Parentheses
5.OA.A.1
Definition
Grouping symbols ( ) that show which part of an expression to calculate first.
Examples
- (2 + 3) x 4 = 20, since the parentheses are done first.
- 2 + (3 x 4) = 14, since multiplication inside the parentheses comes first.
Key rule
Always do the operation inside parentheses first.
Memory hook
Parentheses go first, no matter what.