Grouping Symbols
August 17, 2011
Grouping Symbols
Objective: The student will learn to simplify
expressions with and without
grouping symbols.
Grouping Symbols
A grouping symbol is a device, such as a pair of
parentheses, used to enclose an expression that
should be simplified first.
Multiplication symbols are often left out of
expressions with grouping symbols.
3 𝑥 + 1 means 3 × 𝑥 + 1
Examples of Grouping Symbols
Simplify
6 5−3
6 5 − 3 means 6 × 5 − 3
The parentheses tell us to evaluate 5 − 3 first.
Therefore, 6 5 − 3 = 6 × 2 = 12
Grouping Symbols
Grouping Symbols include the following:
1. Parentheses
()
6 5−3
2. Brackets
[]
6 5−3
3. Braces
{}
6 5−3
4. Absolute value ||
6 5−3
5. Fraction Bar
⋯
⋯
5−3
5
Multiple Grouping Symbols
If an expression contains more than one
grouping symbol, first simplify the expression in
the innermost grouping symbol. Then work
toward the outermost grouping symbol until the
simplest expression is found.
Multiple Grouping Symbols
Simplify
18 − 52 ÷ 7 + 6
Solution
18 − 52 ÷ 7 + 6
18 − 52 ÷
18 −
14
4
13
Evaluating Expressions
Evaluate
4𝑥:5𝑦
3𝑥;𝑦
Solution
4𝑥:5∙𝑦
3𝑥;𝑦
if 𝑥 = 3 and 𝑦 = 8.
=
4∙3:5∙8
3∙3;8
=
12:40
9;8
=
52
1
= 52
Classwork: page 7
Oral Exercises: 1-20
Homework: page 8:
1-33 odd, 37-39
page 9: Mixed Review