Missing Parentheses – An Order of Operations Activity
I really like this order of operations activity that I am naming “Missing Parentheses.” I found it in the textbook Intermediate Algebra for College Students by Karl J. Smith and Patrick J. Boyle (free to borrow from the Internet Archive’s Online Lending Library).

Yesterday, I shared a lovely set of 10 order of operations practice problems from the same textbook. (A reader pointed out that there was a typo in one of the files. I have since corrected it. Sorry about that!)
This problem actually came directly after the other ten practice problems for order of operations. The original problem states: “Insert symbols of inclusion into the following expression so as to obtain each of the values in Problems 61-64.”
I’ve typed it up to make it a hopefully easy to use resource in the math classroom!
Here’s my rewording: “Insert the missing parentheses into each equation to make it true when evaluated according to the order of operations.”
I realize that teachers in other countries would likely want to rename this activity as “Missing Brackets” since it seems like only Americans who put an emphasis on the term parentheses in regards to order of operations…
I have shared an editable version of the file below so you can change it up to suit exactly what your students need!
Desmos Version
Kathy Henderson has shared a Desmos version of this activity. Students use the sketch tools to insert the parentheses into each equation. Enjoy!
Free Download of Missing Parentheses Order of Operations Activity
Click here to Download
Missing Parentheses (PDF)
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Missing Parentheses (Editable Publisher File ZIP)
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Puzzle Solutions
Puzzle solutions are available on a password-protected solution page. I do not openly post the puzzle answer keys because one of my goals as a resource creator is to craft learning experiences for students that are non-google-able. I want teachers to be able to use these puzzles in their classrooms without the solutions being found easily on the Internet.
Please email me at sarah@mathequalslove.net for the password to the answer key database featuring all of my printable puzzles and math worksheets. I frequently have students emailing me for the answer key, so please specify in your email what school you teach at and what subjects you teach. If you do not provide these details, I will not be able to send you the password.
Not a teacher? Go ahead and send me an email as well. Just let me know what you are using the puzzles for. I am continually in awe of how many people are using these puzzles with scouting groups, with senior adults battling dementia, or as fun activities in their workplace. Just give me enough details so I know you are not a student looking for answers to the puzzle that was assigned as their homework!
Thank you so very much for sharing this!
Thanks for sharing! We have found two of these quite challenging!
Great and challenging problem!
Thanks for providing all these great resources!
We have solved the first and third one (2, 11). Is there a way to get information on the second and fourth one (8,12)?
Thank you!
Figured out 2, 11 and 12 but struggling with 8… can get a hint? Thanks!
Just got it..!
Thank you so much Sarah!
I am a Special Education teacher at FKHS in Coffeyville, Kansas. I gave this activity to my Inter Pre-Algebra class on Friday to work over the weekend.
Thank you,
Mrs. AEIOU
Good morning! I love these four problems with the parentheses.