Put math into words — and words into math!
A numerical expression is a math phrase that uses numbers and operation symbols. You can use parentheses ( ), brackets [ ], and braces { } to show which operations to do first. Think of them like nesting dolls — the innermost grouping gets done first!
Parentheses ( ) are done first, then brackets [ ], then braces { }.
"Add 3 and 5, then multiply by 2" → (3 + 5) × 2 = 16. Without parentheses, 3 + 5 × 2 = 13 — a very different answer!
Grouping Symbols
Work from the inside out when you see nested grouping symbols.
{ [ (2 + 3) × 4 ] − 6 } → First: (2 + 3) = 5 → Then: [5 × 4] = 20 → Then: {20 − 6} = 14Remember This!
When writing an expression from a word problem, underline the operation words: "sum" means +, "product" means ×, "difference" means −, "quotient" means ÷.
Which expression matches "multiply the sum of 6 and 4 by 3"?