What do parentheses, brackets, and braces represent in mathematics?

Parentheses, brackets, and braces are categorized as grouping symbols in mathematics. Their primary role is to indicate which operations should be performed first within an expression, helping to clarify the order in which calculations are to be completed.

For instance, in the expression (3 + 5) × 2, the parentheses dictate that the addition should be performed before the multiplication. This leads to the calculation being 8 × 2, which equals 16. By using these symbols, mathematicians can structure their expressions to avoid ambiguity and ensure that everyone interprets the mathematical processes in the same way.

The other choices relate to different mathematical concepts. Exponents refer to a specific operation involving powers. Numerical expressions consist of numbers combined through operations but do not inherently include grouping symbols. The order of operations is a guideline that includes the use of these grouping symbols, but does not itself define them. Thus, grouping symbols specifically refer to parentheses, brackets, and braces, confirming that these symbols represent grouping within mathematical expressions.