In mathematics, brackets of various typographical forms, such as parentheses ( ), square brackets [ ], braces { } and angle brackets ⟨ ⟩, are frequently used in mathematical notation. 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. Sometimes, for the clarity of reading, different kinds of brackets are used to express the same meaning of precedence in a single expression with deep nesting of sub-expressions.[1]
Historically, other notations, such as the vinculum, were similarly used for grouping. In present-day use, these notations all have specific meanings. The earliest use of brackets to indicate aggregation (i.e. grouping) was suggested in 1608 by Christopher Clavius, and in 1629 by Albert Girard.[2]
- ^ Russell, Deb. "When and Where to Use Parentheses, Braces, and Brackets in Math". ThoughtCo. Archived from the original on 2017-07-08. Retrieved 2020-08-09.
- ^ Cajori, Florian 1980. A history of mathematics. New York: Chelsea Publishing, p. 158
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