When there are no special grouping symbols, math problems are solved from left to right. Although there are other important rules about the order in which you do the operations (addition/subtraction/multiplication/division) in a math expression or equation, this lesson will focus on grouping symbols. The rest of the order of operations rules will be explained in the Determining Order of Operations lesson. To help prevent confusion as you learn how to use the grouping symbols, this lesson will only use addition and subtraction.
