In an arithmetic expression, which symbol is used to explicitly group operations and control evaluation order?

In an arithmetic expression, which symbol is used to explicitly group operations and control evaluation order?

• A. Brackets
• B. Curly braces
• C. Commas
• D. Parentheses

Answer: (D)

Explicit grouping in arithmetic is achieved with parentheses. They specify that the enclosed portion is evaluated first, which overrides the normal order of operations. For example, (2 + 3) * 4 computes the addition first to give 20, while without the parentheses, 2 + 3 * 4 would be 14 because multiplication happens before addition. Other symbols like brackets or curly braces aren’t used in the same standard way for basic arithmetic grouping, and commas simply separate items or arguments rather than control evaluation order.

Explicit grouping in arithmetic is achieved with parentheses. They specify that the enclosed portion is evaluated first, which overrides the normal order of operations. For example, (2 + 3) * 4 computes the addition first to give 20, while without the parentheses, 2 + 3 * 4 would be 14 because multiplication happens before addition. Other symbols like brackets or curly braces aren’t used in the same standard way for basic arithmetic grouping, and commas simply separate items or arguments rather than control evaluation order.