Bracket (mathematics)
In math, various typographical forms of brackets are frequently used in mathematical notation such as parentheses ( ), brackets, braces { }, and angle brackets . In the typical use, a mathematical expression is enclosed between an "opening bracket" and a matching "closing bracket". Generally such bracketing denotes some form of grouping: in evaluating an expression containing a bracketed sub-expression, the operators in the sub-expression take precedence over those surrounding it. Additionally, there are several specific uses and meanings for the various brackets.
Historically, other notations, such as the vinculum, were similarly used for grouping; in present-day use, these notations have all specific meanings. The earliest use of brackets to indicate aggregation (i.e. grouping) was suggested in 1608 by Christoforus Clavius and in 1629 by Albert Girard.
In the Z formal specification language, curly brackets denote a set and angle brackets denote a sequence.
Read more about Bracket (mathematics): Symbols For Representing Angle Brackets, Algebra, Functions, Coordinates and Vectors, Intervals, Sets and Groups, Matrices, Derivatives, Falling and Rising Factorial, Quantum Mechanics, Polynomial Rings, Lie Bracket and Commutator, Floor/ceiling Functions and Fractional Part, Highest Common Factor