Maryland Math 5.AT.A.1

Math5th GradeAlgebraic Thinking

The Standard

Interpret and evaluate numerical expressions with grouping symbols (e.g. parentheses, brackets, or braces).

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · WRITE AND INTERPRET NUMERICAL EXPRESSIONS.

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students calculate expressions by starting with the innermost group. They describe what an expression such as 2 × (4 + 3) means in words.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student evaluates 24 ÷ [2 × (3 + 1)] as 3 and shows each step. They can explain why 2 × (4 + 3) is 14, not 11.
Common Misconceptions: Some students work straight across, even when a group should be calculated first. Others skip the inner parentheses or multiply only the first number inside a group.
How to Assess It: On an exit ticket, ask students to evaluate 30 − [2 × (4 + 3)] and circle the calculation they did first. The answer is 16, with 4 + 3 first.

Lesson moves

Use counters to build 2 × (4 + 3) and (2 × 4) + 3, then compare the totals.
Ask partners why 24 ÷ [2 × (3 + 1)] equals 3, not 48, and have them mark the first step.
Play a matching game with cards for 2 × (4 + 3), (2 × 4) + 3, 14, and 11.
Price two lunch combos at $4 for a sandwich and $3 for fruit; write and solve 2 × (4 + 3).

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