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Second/Order Of Operations

Parenthesis First: Subtraction

Students progress to using subtraction inside parenthesis while maintaining the parenthesis-first rule. This worksheet introduces subtraction operations within parenthesis and teaches students to carefully track negative operations. Problems include both (a - b) + c and a - (b - c) formats to build flexibility. Step-by-step solutions emphasize solving the parenthesis first, then completing the remaining addition or subtraction.
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Prerequisites
Parenthesis First: Addition6 WS
Solve: (6 + 3) + 5 = ?
What to Do Next
Parentheses: Add & Subtract6 WS
Solve: (12 - 4) + 9 = ______

Practice Questions

  1. (10 - 3) + 5 = ?
    Show answer

    12

  2. (15 - 8) + 6 = ?
    Show answer

    13

  3. 20 - (9 - 4) = ?
    Show answer

    15

  4. (12 - 5) + 8 = ?
    Show answer

    15

  5. 18 - (7 - 2) = ?
    Show answer

    13

Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes

Emphasize that subtraction inside parenthesis must be done first, even when followed by addition. Use color coding: highlight parenthesis in one color, the operation outside in another. Watch for students who subtract left-to-right without checking for parenthesis.

Vocabulary
Parentheses: Symbols ( ) that group numbers.
Subtraction: Taking away a number from another.
Common Mistakes
  • Subtracting left to right: doing "20 - 9" before checking for parenthesis in "20 - (9 - 4)"
  • Sign confusion: forgetting the subtraction sign outside parenthesis
  • Rushing through parenthesis without writing the intermediate result
  • Confusing which numbers are inside vs outside the parenthesis
  • Solving operations out of order.
  • Incorrectly applying signs after parenthesis are solved.
  • Calculation errors with subtraction, especially involving negatives.
Differentiation
SupportCircle the parenthesis first on every problem. Write out Step 1 and Step 2 labels. Use number lines to visualize subtraction. Start with only format (a - b) + c before introducing a - (b - c).
ChallengeTry three-number subtraction in parenthesis: (15 - 4 - 3) + 2. Create problems where ignoring parenthesis gives a very different answer. Explore when the answer is the same with or without parenthesis.
Discussion Questions
  • What changes when we have subtraction inside the parenthesis instead of addition?
  • Why is it important to write down what you get after solving the parenthesis?
  • Can you create a problem where the parenthesis is at the end instead of the beginning?
  • Why is solving inside the parenthesis first so important?
  • How does the placement of parentheses change the answer?
  • Can you think of a real-world scenario where order of operations matters?
  • What strategy do you use to avoid sign errors in these problems?
Extension Activities
  • Compare answers: Try (10 - 3) + 5 vs 10 - 3 + 5 - do you get different answers?
  • Create story problems that need parenthesis with subtraction
  • Practice with manipulatives: use blocks to show taking away groups first
Parent Tip

Ask your child to explain why solving inside parentheses is important.

Learning Path
Skill Cluster

Number Sense & Operations

Estimated Time

15 minutes

Skills Practiced
Subtraction in parenthesisMixed operations with parenthesis