Treasure Hunt Clues with Brackets and Braces

Evaluate expressions with parentheses, brackets, and braces to follow the map.

Crack the clue codes

The value of each clue tells how many steps to walk. Find the value of each expression. Start with the innermost grouping symbols.

Clue 1: Walk this many steps to the old oak tree.

(7 + 5) × 3 = steps

Clue 2: Walk this many steps to the big rock.

48 ÷ (2 × 4) + 9 = steps

Clue 3: Walk this many steps to the bridge.

[20 − (3 × 4)] × 5 = steps

Clue 4: Walk this many steps along the river.

{[(9 + 6) ÷ 3] + 2} × 4 = steps

Clue 5: Walk this many steps past the cave.

100 − {4 × [25 − (3 × 5)]} = steps

Clue 6: Hop this many steps to the palm tree.

3 × {[(14 − 8) × 2] − 5} = steps

Compare the clues

Find the values so you can compare the clues.

Which clue sends the crew the most steps?

A. 12 − (4 × 2)B. (12 + 4) ÷ 2C. (12 − 4) × 2D. 12 − (4 + 2)

Find the value of each side. Write >, <, or = in each blank.

(8 + 2) × 5 8 + (2 × 5)
24 ÷ (4 + 2) (24 ÷ 4) + 2
3 × (6 + 4) (3 × 6) + (3 × 4)

Match each clue written in words to its expression. One expression is not used.

Map the treasure

Write and use expressions to finish the hunt.

10.

The crew finds 3 chests. Each chest holds 2 bags with 10 gold coins in each bag, plus 5 loose coins. Which expression shows the total number of coins?

A. 3 × 2 × 10 + 5B. (3 × 2) + (10 + 5)C. 3 × [(2 × 10) + 5]D. 3 + [(2 × 10) × 5]

11.

How many gold coins are in the 3 chests in all?

The chests hold gold coins.

12.

The value of each clue tells where it leads: 18 means the Cliff, 24 means the Cave, and 30 means the Dock. Find each value and sort the clues.

13.

Leo says the value of {2 + [3 × (4 + 1)]} is 25. He added 2 + 3 first and then multiplied by 5. Explain Leo's mistake and find the correct value.