4 types of brackets in math?

Overview

In mathematics, there are 4 types of brackets, each with specific priority in expressions.

The 4 Types of Brackets

( )

{ }

[ ]

――

Order in Complex Expressions

In traditional mathematics, when all types appear together:

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Solve innermost first (round), then curly, then square:

Example:
5 × [4 + {3 × (2 + 1)}]
= 5 × [4 + {3 × 3}]        ← Solve ( ) first
= 5 × [4 + 9]               ← Solve { }
= 5 × 13                    ← Solve [ ]
= 65

In Programming (Dart)

In programming, all bracket expressions use

( )

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// ( ) — Math grouping and function calls
double result = (2 + 3) * 4;   // Grouping
print('hello');                  // Function call

// { } — Code blocks and maps
if (x > 0) {                    // Code block
  print('positive');
}
final map = {'key': 'value'};   // Map literal

// [ ] — List indexing and list literals
final list = [1, 2, 3];         // List literal
print(list[0]);                  // Index access

// String interpolation — uses ${}
String name = 'Alice';
print('Hello ${name.toUpperCase()}');  // Expression in string

Summary

( )

{ }

[ ]

——

Programming Note: In most programming languages including Dart, only

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( )

controls mathematical operation precedence.

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{ }

and

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[ ]

serve structural roles (blocks, maps, lists) rather than mathematical grouping.