They may be used to denote a function. They are also used to change the order in which the operations of index (exponentiation), division or multiplication, addition or subtraction are carried out.
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Brackets are used in maths to indicate the order of calculations in the equation.
If you're asked to simplify an expression, you need to expand all brackets if there are any, and collect all like terms. If the question is a fraction you have to give the answer in its simplest form
The different types of brackets are: * round brackets, open brackets or parentheses: ( ) * square brackets, closed brackets or box brackets: [ ] * curly brackets, squiggly brackets, swirly brackets, braces, or chicken lips: { } * angle brackets, diamond brackets, cone brackets or chevrons: < > or ⟨ ⟩
guide words
They are used to change the order in which arithmetic operations are to be carried out.