This task provides opportunities for students to evaluate, analyze, and compare mathematical expressions. This task is remixable by adding student work, or you can upload another task aligned to this Standard. 

Task:
Students choose from 4 sets of expressions.

Find the value of each expression.  What patterns do you notice?  What impact does the position of the parentheses have on the value of the expressions? 

Find a partner who chose a different set than the one you chose.  What did they notice about their expressions? 

Why do we use parentheses in mathematical expressions?  When is it important to use parentheses?  When are parentheses not necessary?