Brackets

• Brackets can be defined as a pair of symbols used to group things together.

More about Brackets

• Brackets can be classified into four types based on their usage.
• Parentheses or round brackets, denoted by ‘( )’, is generally used to define the different precedence of numbers in a mathematical expression.
• Box brackets or square brackets:  Apart from mathematical expression, ‘[ ]’ square brackets are also used to represent the numbers in interval.
• Curly brackets or braces, denoted by ‘{ }’, are used to delimit sets.
• Angle brackets or chevrons, denoted by ‘< >’, are used to enclose highlighted material to denote dialogue that is thought instead of spoken.

Examples of Brackets

• a(x + y) = ax + ay
• 3ab²c(2a + 3ab - 5bc² + 1) = 3ab²c × 2a + 3ab²c × 3ab - 3ab²c × 5bc² + 3ab²c × 1
• 16 + (4 × 7) – 4 = 16 + 28 - 4 = 44 – 4 = 40

Solved Example on Brackets

What is the value of the expression below?
20 - (5 × 4) + 4
Choices:
A. 2
B. 3
C. 1
D. 4
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Step 1: The order of operation for the expression is, operation within grouping symbol first, addition next, and then subtraction, from left to right.
Step 2: 20 - (5 × 4) + 4 [Original expression.]
Step 3: = 20 - 20 + 4 [Do the operation within the grouping symbol.]
Step 4: = 24 – 20 [Add 20 and 4.]
Step 5: = 4 [Subtract 20 from 24.]
Step 6: The value of the given expression is 4.

Related Terms for Brackets

• Expression
• Order of Operations

Additional Links for Brackets

• Click here for samples
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