Explain the Grouping

This worksheet supports students in analyzing addition and multiplication expressions to observe that different groupings yield the same result. Students compute both sides of several expressions, compare answers, and describe the patterns they notice. Missing-number tasks reinforce structural understanding, while final exercises require students to add parentheses to explicitly show the property. This worksheet emphasizes mathematical communication by asking students to explain what patterns they see and why the results remain equal. It is excellent for strengthening conceptual grasp and building equation-writing fluency.

Curriculum Matched Skills

Mathematics – Properties of Operations: Associative Property

Mathematics – Expressions: Compare grouped expressions

Mathematics – Mathematical Practices: Explain mathematical patterns

Mathematics – Algebraic Thinking: Identify consistent structure

This worksheet is part of our Associative Property Worksheets collection.