How do parentheses affect mathematical expressions?

How do parentheses affect mathematical expressions?

Parentheses indicate which operations to perform first in a mathematical expression. For example, in 2 + 3 × 4, you would multiply first, but in (2 + 3) × 4, you add first.

Can you give me an example with more complex expressions?

Sure! Consider the expression (5 + 3) × (2 - 1). You would first calculate the values inside the parentheses: 5 + 3 = 8 and 2 - 1 = 1, then multiply: 8 × 1 = 8.

What happens if I don't use parentheses?

Without parentheses, the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) dictates how to evaluate the expression. For example, 5 + 3 × 2 would equal 11, not 16, because multiplication comes before addition.

Are there any common mistakes people make with parentheses?

Yes, a common mistake is forgetting to apply the order of operations correctly. For instance, misplacing parentheses can lead to incorrect results, like interpreting 2 + 3 × 4 as (2 + 3) × 4.