Evaluate expressions with parentheses, brackets and braces
Understanding parentheses gives your child a key to almost every page of math ahead. Parentheses are how math says "do this part first." Next year your child will write expressions of their own, and in middle school algebra a problem like 3 × (x + 4) only makes sense to a child who reads the grouping without thinking. Spreadsheets and calculators follow the same rules.
In this video, your child will learn to work inside parentheses, brackets and braces.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
What is (8 + 4) × 2?
Example 2
What is [20 − 3 × (6 − 2)] ÷ 4?
Your child's turn
What is 50 − {2 × [3 + (6 − 1)]}?
The three key steps
- 1Inside out: ( ), then [ ], { }
- 2× and ÷ before + and −
- 3Then finish what's left.
Mistakes to listen for
- Working straight from left to right and ignoring the parentheses, so 4 × (2 + 3) becomes 8 + 3 = 11 instead of 20.
- Starting with the outer brackets, so in 3 × [10 − (2 + 4)] they do 10 − 2 first and lose the 4.
- Reading a memory phrase as "always multiply before dividing," so 12 ÷ 2 × 3 becomes 2 instead of 18.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to solving number sentences with parentheses →
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Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice solving number sentences with parentheses, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to solving number sentences with parentheses has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice solving number sentences with parentheses
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on solving number sentences with parentheses and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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