Translating expressions with parentheses

Translating expressions with parentheses
Description
Exercise Name:	Translating expressions with parentheses
Math Missions:	5th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Pre-algebra Math Mission, Mathematics I Math Mission
Types of Problems:	2

The Translating expressions with parentheses exercise appears under the 5th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Pre-algebra Math Mission and Mathematics I Math Mission. This exercise practices proficiency and confidence with translation into math-talk and correct usage of parentheses.

Types of Problems

There are two types of problems in this exercise:

1. Select the correct translation: This problem has an English sentence and several possible mathematical translations. The user is asked to select the translation that correct represents the meaning of the sentence from a multiple choice listing.

   

   Select the correct translation

2. Write the correct translation: This problem has an English sentence and a space for the answer. Users are is expected to take the English sentence and translate it into math-talk in the space provided.

   

   Write the correct translation

Strategies

Knowledge of the order of operations and confidence with mathematics vocabulary are encouraged to ensure success on this exercise.

1. The order of operations is PEMDAS which means things in parentheses should be completed first, before continuing on to Exponents, Multiply/Divide, and finally Add/Subtract.
2. Parentheses are often required when writing the answer.
3. Research needs to be completed, but it is possible that the answer in Write the correct translation accepts any equivalent expression, which would mean the numerical value of the expression can just be written if that is faster.

Real-life Applications

1. An ability to translate from English into math and vice versa is important in all parts of mathematics.