Algebra
In elementary algebra parentheses, ( ), are used to specify the order of operations, terms inside the bracket are evaluated first, hence 2×(3 + 4) is 14 and 10 ÷ 5(1 + 0) is 2 and (2×3) + 4 is 10. This notation is extended to cover more general algebra involving variables: for example . Square brackets are also often used in place of a second set of parentheses when they are nested, to provide a visual distinction.
Also in mathematical expressions in general, parentheses are used to indicate grouping (that is, which parts belong together) when necessary to avoid ambiguities, or for the sake of clarity. For example, in the formula (εη)X = εXηX, used in the definition of composition of two natural transformations, the parentheses around εη serve to indicate that the indexing by X is applied to the composition εη, and not just its last component η.
Read more about this topic: Bracket (mathematics)
Famous quotes containing the word algebra:
“Poetry has become the higher algebra of metaphors.”
—José Ortega Y Gasset (1883–1955)