Final answer:
Parentheses in mathematical expressions affect how the expression is evaluated, such as when raising an expression to a power. They also play a role in writing by setting off nonessential material and stage directions. Proper use of parentheses can simplify complex expressions and prevent ambiguity, especially when working with exponents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with expressions in mathematics, it's crucial to understand the role of parentheses. Expressions within parentheses should be evaluated first, and if an expression inside the parentheses is raised to a power, the power applies to everything within the parentheses. An example of multiplying expressions with parentheses is: (2x3)(4x2), which simplifies by multiplying coefficients and adding exponents for common bases. The use of parentheses can also simplify expressions by replacing constants with a single variable, which makes complicated expressions easier to manage.
Aside from mathematical expressions, parentheses have different uses in writing. They can enclose stage directions, such as stage directions in a play, and they are typically used to set off nonessential material, such as dates or clarifying information, within a sentence. Unlike dashes which emphasize content, parentheses are used to downplay the enclosed material.
It is also important to be careful when selecting examples involving exponents and parentheses, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, the expression 4x2 + 2 could be interpreted in several ways if not written clearly with proper use of symbols and parentheses.