Grade 3/Order of Operations
Parentheses: Add & Subtract (587)
Students combine their understanding of addition and subtraction within parenthesis. This worksheet mixes both operations, requiring students to carefully identify what is inside the parenthesis and apply the correct operation first. Problems include various formats: (a + b) - c, (a - b) + c, and a - (b + c). This comprehensive practice solidifies the parenthesis-first rule before moving to more advanced order of operations concepts.
6
Sheets
2374
Views
91
Downloads
Preview
Click to preview collection
Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes
This is the culminating worksheet for the Introduction to Parenthesis unit. Students must apply both addition and subtraction skills flexibly. Emphasize reading carefully to identify the operation inside parenthesis. Encourage checking work by verifying the intermediate result makes sense before completing the final operation.
Vocabulary
Parentheses: Symbols ( ) that group numbers.
Mixed Operations: Using more than one math operation.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing which operation is inside vs outside the parenthesis
- Forgetting to check whether the outside operation is addition or subtraction
- Rushing and not writing down the intermediate result after solving parenthesis
- Adding when they should subtract or vice versa after solving parenthesis
- Not solving inside parentheses first.
- Incorrect operation within parentheses.
- Calculation errors.
- Ignoring parentheses.
Differentiation
SupportStart with only one format (a + b) - c. Color code: one color for parenthesis operations, another for outside operations. Use manipulatives to show "doing the grouped operation first". Reduce to 8 questions instead of 12.
ChallengeAdd problems with three numbers in parenthesis: (5 + 3 - 2) + 4. Introduce nested parenthesis: ((3 + 2) - 1) + 4. Challenge: Create problems where ignoring parenthesis gives a completely different answer. Explore when parenthesis don't change the result.
Discussion Questions
- How do you decide which operation to do first when you see both addition and subtraction?
- What happens if you forget to solve the parenthesis first? Try an example both ways.
- Can you create a problem where the parenthesis changes the answer significantly?
- Why are parentheses important in math?
- What happens if you ignore the parentheses?
- Can you create a real-life problem for this?
- How is this like following a recipe?
Extension Activities
- Create 5 problems mixing addition and subtraction, trade with a partner
- Find the error: Give problems with intentional mistakes (ignoring parenthesis)
- Challenge: Try problems with two sets of parenthesis
- Real-world: Write a story problem that needs mixed operations with parenthesis
Parent Tip
Ask your child to create a problem using parentheses and mixed operations.
Learning Path
Skill Cluster
Number Sense & Algebraic Thinking
Estimated Time
18 minutes
Skills Practiced
mixed operations with parenthesisflexible parenthesis solving
Prerequisites
- 585
- 586
- Two-step addition problems
- Two-step subtraction problems
- Basic addition and subtraction facts
Next Steps
- Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
- Multi-step word problems with expressions
- Order of Operations: Addition and Subtraction
- Expressions with Brackets and Parentheses
- Multi-Step Word Problems