Writing and Reading Expressions
Aligned to 5.OA.A.2 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
An expression is a math phrase that shows what to do, but you don't have to solve it. Use parentheses to show which step happens first. You can also read an expression and describe it in words.
Worked example
Write "add 6 and 2, then multiply by 5." Since you add first, put that part in parentheses: 5 × (6 + 2). The parentheses tell you to add 6 + 2 before multiplying. You don't need to find the answer to write it correctly.
Practice questions
- Write an expression for "subtract 4 from 10, then double the result."
- In words, describe what 3 × (12 + 7) tells you to do.
- Without solving, is 2 × (8 + 5) larger or smaller than (8 + 5)? Explain how you know.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Escribir y leer expresiones
Una expresión es una frase matemática que muestra qué hacer, pero no tienes que resolverla. Usa paréntesis para mostrar qué paso va primero. También puedes leer una expresión y describirla con palabras.
Ejemplo: Escribe "suma 6 y 2, luego multiplica por 5." Como sumas primero, pon esa parte entre paréntesis: 5 × (6 + 2). Los paréntesis te dicen que sumes 6 + 2 antes de multiplicar. No necesitas hallar la respuesta para escribirla bien.
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