These two tasks are from Tools 4 NC Teachers. Students explore how the inclusion and location of groupings (including parentheses) influence the value of an expression. This includes 4 symbols (operations) to ensure that the rigor of the Standard is addressed. This is a remixable resource. 

Task Preview

Consider the expression: 54 ÷ 6 - 3 x 2 + 1

Part 1:

Put parentheses in the following places and evaluate each expression.

a)     Around 54 ÷ 6

b)    Around 6 - 3

c)     Around 3 x 2

d)    Around 2 + 1

Part 2:

Consider the values of each expression above. How do the parentheses change the value of each expression?

Part 3:

Are some expressions the same regardless of the location of the parentheses? Why is this the case? 

Part 4:

Look at the following set of expressions. Compare the values. Which expressions have values that are equivalent and why? 

6+5x3

(6+5)x3

6+(5x3)

Part 5:  

Evaluate each expression below. Decide if each expression is greater than, less than, or equal to 18.

(9x2)x1

25 - (9x2)

1/3 x (9x2)

1x9x2

(9x2)x5

2x9-10