This worksheet takes a deep dive into how brackets can alter the answer to a calculation or mathematical expression; therefore helping pupils in their understanding of brackets when using the correct order of operations (formally known as BODMAS).

Section A consists of twenty mathematical statements that students must add brackets to make true. As the section progresses the questions get increasingly more difficult. Learners may have to try brackets in a few locations to find the correct solution. The section provides a good opportunity to discuss what parts of the calculation inserting brackets would have no impact on. Only one pair of brackets is needed in each case.

Next, in section B pupils are faced with four calculations with numbers missing. Here they are to add numbers to make the statement correct. Answers may vary.