| Ruby does not always require the use of parentheses to evaluate methods, unless it's necessary to avoid ambiguities. def f(x) print x**2 end f 3 # 9 However, if parentheses are used near a method, then Ruby will associate them with the method and expect an argument list inside. An expression is a valid argument. f (2+3)*4 # 100 f((2+3)*4) # 576 |