organic chemistry - What is the meaning of parentheses in a condensed molecular formula?

In the formula $\ce{(CH3)3-C-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH3}$, what do the parenthesized portions represent? What is the molecular structure, and how do I name the compound?

Answer

The parentheses just have a grouping function: $\ce{(CH3)3-C -}$ represents a carbon atom to which 3 methyl groups are attached, $\ce{-CH(CH3)}-$ is a carbon atom in the chain to which one hydrogen atom and a methyl group are attached.

Draw the molecule, find the longest chain for the base name, determine the position of the substituents and you're done.