TLDR: Brackets in maths show which part to solve first. Learn types of brackets, rules of brackets in maths, and all types of brackets with their functions. Practice simple and language-based brackets in maths examples for better understanding.

Brackets in Maths are special symbols like ( ), [ ], and { } that are important in solving mathematical problems. They indicate a collection of numbers, terms, or expressions. Therefore, we know which part we need to solve first. There are different types of brackets, i.e.,  parentheses, square brackets, and curly brackets. Each has its own job to do. According to the rules of brackets in maths, we have to be dependent on the type and order we use to avoid mistakes. Learning all types of brackets and their names helps students understand sums, equations, and the step-by-step process of solving problems.

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Brackets in Maths 

Brackets in maths mean special symbols that keep some numbers or terms together. They show which part of the sum should be solved first. Brackets are mostly used in higher classes, but learning them early helps students avoid mistakes in calculation.

Examples of Brackets in Maths: 

1. (4+3)×2=14(4 + 3) \times 2 = 14(4+3)×2=14
   → Here, the addition inside the bracket is done first.

2. [6+(2×3)]=12[6 + (2 \times 3)] = 12[6+(2×3)]=12
   → First solve the multiplication in parentheses, then add.

3. {10−[3+(2+1)]}=4\{10 - [3 + (2 + 1)]\} = 4{10−[3+(2+1)]}=4
   → Start from the innermost bracket and move outward.

Read More: Straight Angle

Types of Brackets in Maths

Brackets in maths are often used while solving problems or writing equations. They help in grouping numbers and showing the correct order of operations. Knowing the types of brackets is very important. 

Brackets always come in pairs: if you open a bracket, you must close it. Brackets always come in pairs. If you open a bracket, you must also close it. The opening brackets are (, [ and {, and their matching closing brackets are ), ] and }. The table below includes types of brackets in maths:

Rules of Brackets in Maths

Rules of brackets in maths help us solve expressions step by step. These rules make calculations easier and avoid mistakes.

Always solve inside brackets first
Example: (2 + 3) × 4 = 5 × 4 = 20

Follow the order of different types of brackets
Curly brackets { } → Square brackets [ ] → Round brackets ( )
Example: {2 + [3 × (4 + 1)]} = {2 + [3 × 5]} = {2 + 15} = 17

Brackets can change answers
Example: 

• 2 × (3 + 4) = 14

• 2 × 3 + 4 = 10

Use brackets to clarify expressions
Example: 6 ÷ (2 + 1) = 6 ÷ 3 = 2

Read More: Math Quotes

Types of Brackets in Maths and Their Functions

In maths, there are different types of brackets, and each type has its own function. Learning types of brackets in maths and their functions helps students solve problems correctly. Here, we will look at different types of brackets and how they are used. Below are types of brackets in Maths and their function:

Examples of Brackets in Maths

Brackets in maths make solving problems easier. Here are different examples using all types of brackets:

1. Round Brackets ( )

(5 + 3) × 2 = 8 × 2 = 16

2. Square Brackets [ ]

[10 − (2 + 3)] × 4 = [10 − 5] × 4 = 5 × 4 = 20

3. Curly Brackets { }

{3 + [2 × (4 + 1)]} = {3 + [2 × 5]} = {3 + 10} = 13

4. Mixed Brackets

{5 + [3 × (2 + 4)]} − 6 = {5 + [3 × 6]} − 6 = {5 + 18} − 6 = 23 − 6 = 17

5. Division with Brackets

(12 + 8) ÷ 4 = 20 ÷ 4 = 5

6. Multiple Brackets

[2 + (3 + 4) × 2] = [2 + 7 × 2] = [2 + 14] = 16

Read More: Perimeter of Square

Solved Examples on Brackets

Brackets in maths help us solve calculations step by step. Here are simple and language-based solved examples to understand all types of brackets, their name of brackets, and rules of brackets in maths:

Question 1: Find the value of the expression:
(7 + 5) × 3

Solution:
Step 1: Solve the parentheses → 7 + 5 = 12
Step 2: Multiply by 3 → 12 × 3 = 36

Answer: 36

Question 2: Simplify: [15 − (4 + 6)] × 2

Solution:
Step 1: Solve parentheses → 4 + 6 = 10
Step 2: Solve square brackets → 15 − 10 = 5
Step 3: Multiply by 2 → 5 × 2 = 10

Answer: 10

Question 3: Simplify: {2 + [3 × (5 − 2)]}

Solution:
Step 1: Solve parentheses → 5 − 2 = 3
Step 2: Multiply inside brackets → 3 × 3 = 9
Step 3: Add curly brackets → 2 + 9 = 11

Answer: 11

Question 4: Solve: [ {6 + (4 × 2)} − 3 ] × 2

Solution:
Step 1: Solve parentheses → 4 × 2 = 8
Step 2: Solve curly brackets → 6 + 8 = 14
Step 3: Solve square brackets → 14 − 3 = 11
Step 4: Multiply by 2 → 11 × 2 = 22

Answer: 22

Question 5: Simplify: (8 + 2) × (6 − 4)

Solution:
Step 1: First parentheses → 8 + 2 = 10
Step 2: Second parentheses → 6 − 4 = 2
Step 3: Multiply → 10 × 2 = 20

Answer: 20

Language-Based Questions

Question 6:
Sara has (12 + 3) apples and [20 − (5 + 2)] oranges. How many fruits does she have in total?

Solution:
Step 1: Solve parentheses → 12 + 3 = 15
Step 2: Solve square brackets → 20 − (5 + 2) = 13
Step 3: Add both → 15 + 13 = 28

Answer: 28 fruits

Question 7:
Rohan buys (5 + 4) pencils and [10 − (2 + 3)] erasers. How many items does he have?

Solution:
Step 1: Pencils → 5 + 4 = 9
Step 2: Erasers → 10 − (2 + 3) = 5
Step 3: Total items → 9 + 5 = 14

Answer: 14 items

Question 8:
There are (8 + 2) boys and [15 − (5 + 4)] girls in a class. How many students are there in total?

Solution:
Step 1: Boys → 8 + 2 = 10
Step 2: Girls → 15 − (5 + 4) = 6
Step 3: Total → 10 + 6 = 16

Answer: 16 students

Question 9:
A farmer has (6 + 3) cows and [12 − (4 + 2)] goats. How many animals are there?

Solution:
Step 1: Cows → 6 + 3 = 9
Step 2: Goats → 12 − (4 + 2) = 6
Step 3: Total → 9 + 6 = 15

Answer: 15 animals

Question 10:
Lina bought (7 + 5) notebooks and [10 − (3 + 2)] pens. How many items did she buy in total?

Solution:
Step 1: Notebooks → 7 + 5 = 12
Step 2: Pens → 10 − (3 + 2) = 5
Step 3: Total → 12 + 5 = 17

Answer: 17 items

Also Read: What is a Polyhedron

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