Arithmetic Grade Six

Lesson One Hundred Thirty-one: Parentheses

Consider the difference a pair of parentheses can make: 


	14 - ( 5 + 6 ) - 3 = 0

	14 - 5 + 6 - 3 = 12
These two equations have the same numbers, but different answers. WHY? Because the parentheses change the problem.

Here's another example: 


	55 - ( 9 + 21 ) + 4 = 29

	55 - 9 + 21 + 4 = 71
Again, the parentheses change the results dramatically!

Here's one more example: 


	70 - ( 15 + 17 ) - 8 = 30

	70 - 15 + 17 - 8 = 64

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