Crossword Genius

Support for shelving algebraic symbols (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brackets

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'symbols' is the definition.
(bracket is a kind of symbol)

'support for shelving algebraic' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'support' could be 'rack' (rack is a kind of support) and 'rack' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'bets' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for brackets that I've seen before include "eight here in these" , "Projecting supports, for a shelf say" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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