---
title: "Brackets in Expressions"
description: "Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions and evaluate expressions containing these grouping symbols"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/brackets-in-expressions-mt_8jFSnXxqQD
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/brackets-in-expressions-mt_8jFSnXxqQD.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Brackets in Expressions

Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions and evaluate expressions containing these grouping symbols

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Multiplication & Division · Ages 10 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/brackets-in-expressions-mt_8jFSnXxqQD

## Ready when they can

- Evaluate 3 × (4 + 5) by computing inside the parentheses first
- Evaluate {2 × [3 + (7 − 1)]} with nested grouping symbols
- Insert parentheses into an expression to make it equal a target value

## Lesson: Brackets in Expressions

Some math problems use brackets like parentheses ( ), square brackets [ ], or braces { } around part of an expression. These brackets are a signal: solve what is inside them before you do anything else.

*(drawing: Step by step: solve the brackets, then finish the expression.)*

**Example.** Look at 3 × (4 + 5). The parentheses tell you to add first: 4 + 5 = 9. Now the expression is 3 × 9. Multiply to get 27.

**Example.** Now look at {2 × [3 + (7 − 1)]}. Start with the deepest brackets: 7 − 1 = 6. Next, work outward: 3 + 6 = 9. Last, multiply: 2 × 9 = 18.

After the brackets, multiply and divide before you add and subtract. Then work from left to right. So 1 + 2 × 5 is 1 + 10 = 11. Brackets can change that order: (1 + 2) × 5 is 3 × 5 = 15. To hit a target number, try brackets in different places and check each one.

**Recap.** Solve the innermost brackets first, work outward, and the rest of the expression follows in order.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Multi-step word problems with remainders](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multi-step-word-problems-with-remainders-mt_p-nbe0w_lf)
- [Long multiplication (age 10+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/long-multiplication-age-10-mt_XLP1IM3Qbb)

## Opens up

- [Writing Number Sentences](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/writing-number-sentences-mt_4WaKWECpcv)
- [Order of operations](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/order-of-operations-mt_jHgRQ4hR0g)