Mathematical symbols are versatile representations of concepts, ideas, and numbers, that can be used to express relationships between quantities. They can be used across different types of equations and form a universal language of mathematics that can be referenced anytime.
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Try for freeStudents can also learn to solve more complex math equations by having an intuitive understanding of the value of symbols, such as pi, roman numerals, division, fractions, etc.
Why do We Use Mathematical Symbols?
Mathematical symbols are used in a variety of ways to help extract maximum value from equations, calculations, and formulae. They make it easier to define math quantities, as well as develop a relationship between quantities that can be expressed in a unique way. They help us create a logical sequence that can be used to represent any physical event.
Mathematical Symbols are also used to denote a predefined value, such as pi or Euler’s constant. They are used to provide a consistent standard, as well as simplify calculations that require the use of these numbers regularly. Symbols remain unchanged over the course of time, making them the best way of representing an idea or standard to use for any calculation.
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You can also use symbols to create a foundation of base knowledge for students. Math symbols, such as the equals signs, greater than sign, brackets, and parenthesis, form much of the preliminary working knowledge of all complex math equations. Students should be able to become comfortable with symbols to become confident in solving math problems.
Math symbols also make referencing much easier, as you can go back to these symbols to figure out the relationship between quantities. From derivatives to logarithms, every symbol holds a history of information that can be used to solve math equations. They can be used across languages as they are a consistent reference for any mathematician around the world.
10 Basic Mathematical Symbols
Let us start with the basic math symbols used to express relationships between quantities.
Symbol | Symbol Name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|---|
+ | Addition | Used to add two numbers | 9 + 10 = 19 |
– | Subtraction | Used to subtract one number from another | 11 – 2 = 9 |
= | Equals | Expresses two values being the same | X = 33 |
≈ | Approximation | Denotes approximate equalness | π ≈ 3.14 |
≠ | Not equal to | Used to express non-equalness | 15 ≠ Z |
x | Multiplication | Used to multiply two numbers | 12 x 2 = 24 |
÷ | Division | Used to divide one number from another | 15 ÷ 5 = 3 |
> | Greater than | Indicates that one value is larger than another | 5 > 2 |
< | Less than | Indicates that one value is smaller than another | 3 < 6 |
% | Percent | Represents a percentage | 50% of 100 = 50 |
Learn more common math symbols here.
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10 Set Theory and Venn Diagram Symbols
Set theory and representation of Venn diagrams are key to problem-solving.
Symbol | Symbol Name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|---|
∩ | Intersection | Denotes common numbers between sets | A ∩ B |
U | Union | Denotes the unification of two sets | A U B |
= | Equality | Denotes equal elements in both sets | A = B |
X | Cartesian Product | Used to denote sets of ordered pairs | A X B |
⊇ | Superset | Indicates that one set is a superset of another | B ⊇ A |
∅ | Empty Set | Denotes a set with no elements | ∅ |
∈ | Element of | Indicates membership of an element in a set | x ∈ A |
∉ | Not an element of | Indicates non-membership in a set | y ∉ B |
⊂ | Proper Subset | Indicates a subset that is not equal to the set | C ⊂ D |
⊃ | Proper Superset | Indicates a superset that is not equal to the set | D ⊃ C |
Access more set theory and Venn diagram symbols here.
10 Roman Numerals Math Symbols
You may also come across Roman numerals, especially within complex math equations.
Symbol | Symbol Name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|---|
I | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 1 | II = 2 |
V | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 5 | V = 5 |
X | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 10 | XX = 20 |
L | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 50 | L = 50 |
C | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 100 | C = 100 |
D | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 500 | D = 500 |
M | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 1000 | M = 1000 |
IV | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 4 | IV = 4 |
IX | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 9 | IX = 9 |
XL | Roman Numeral | Represents the value of 40 | XL = 40 |
For more Roman numerals click here.
10 Non-Varying Math Constants
You may also have to use math constants from time to time, which can be expressed as below.
Symbol | Symbol Name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|---|
√2 | Square Root of 2 | Used as a positive number with an approx. value of 1.41421 | √2 ≈ 1.41421 |
e | Euler’s Constant | Used as a base of the natural logarithm | e ≈ 2.71828 |
π | Pi | Used to denote the ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle | π ≈ 3.14159 |
i | Imaginary Unit | Used as a root of negative 1 to denote complex numbers | i² = -1 |
φ | Golden Ratio | Represents the golden ratio, an irrational number | φ ≈ 1.61803 |
γ | Euler-Mascheroni Constant | A constant that appears in analysis and number theory | γ ≈ 0.57721 |
√3 | Square Root of 3 | Used as a positive number with an approx. value of 1.73205 | √3 ≈ 1.73205 |
√5 | Square Root of 5 | Used as a positive number with an approx. value of 2.23607 | √5 ≈ 2.23607 |
ln(2) | Natural Log of 2 | Represents the natural logarithm of 2 | ln(2) ≈ 0.69315 |
ln(10) | Natural Log of 10 | Represents the natural logarithm of 10 | ln(10) ≈ 2.30259 |
Access more math constants and what they mean here.
10 Algebra Math Symbols
Algebra symbols are one of the most used symbols in math and science.
Symbol | Symbol Name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|---|
x, y | Variables | Used to denote placeholders for variable numbers | x = y + 10 |
∝ | Proportional to | Used to indicate a proportional relationship | X ∝ y ⟹ x = ky |
+ | Addition | Used to add variables | 2x + 3y = 4z |
f(x) | Functional map | Used to denote a function | f(x) = 2x – 9 |
= | Equality | Indicates that two expressions are equal | a + b = c |
≠ | Inequality | Indicates that two expressions are not equal | a ≠ b |
< | Less than | Indicates that one expression is less than another | x < y |
> | Greater than | Indicates that one expression is greater than another | x > y |
≤ | Less than or equal to | Indicates that one expression is less than or equal to another | x ≤ y |
≥ | Greater than or equal to | Indicates that one expression is greater than or equal to another | x ≥ y |
Know more algebra math symbols here.
10 Geometry Math Symbols and Their Meanings
Here are five common geometry symbols, each an important math signs used in mathematical expressions and equations:
Symbol | Symbol Name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|---|
∠ | Angle | Represents an angle | ∠ABC |
⊥ | Perpendicular | Indicates that two lines or segments are perpendicular to each other | AB ⊥ CD |
∥ | Parallel | Indicates that two lines or segments are parallel to each other | EF ∥ GH |
≅ | Congruent | Indicates that two figures are congruent (identical in form and size) | Triangle ABC ≅ Triangle DEF |
△ | Triangle | Represents a triangle | △PQR |
∘ | Degree | Represents the unit of angle (degree) | 45° |
π | Pi | Used to denote the ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle | π ≈ 3.14159 |
r | Radius | Represents the radius of a circle or sphere | r = 5 cm |
d | Diameter | Represents the diameter of a circle or sphere | d = 10 cm |
∑ | Summation | Indicates the sum of a sequence of numbers | ∑ n = n(n+1)/2 |
These symbols are essential in understanding and solving problems in geometry, a branch of mathematics that deals with shapes, sizes, and properties of space.
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Conclusion
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of various mathematical symbols, each serving as a crucial tool in the language of mathematics. From basic operations like addition and subtraction to more complex concepts involving set theory, algebra, and geometry, these symbols form the backbone of mathematical communication.
Understanding and using this math symbols list effectively allows students and mathematicians alike to express complex ideas and relationships clearly and concisely. Whether it’s the simplicity of an equal sign or the complexity of algebraic and geometric symbols, each plays a vital role in making mathematics a universal and powerful language.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does this symbol means <>?
The symbol “<>” means ‘not equal to’ or ‘different from’ in mathematics, typically used to compare two values.
What does => mean in math?
“=>” is a symbol used in mathematics to denote ‘implies’ or ‘leads to’, often used in logical statements and proofs.
What does ∈ ø mean in math?
The symbol means that an element of that set is an object that is contained within it. It is used extensively in set theory and is a key mathematical symbol used to describe the relationship.
How do I improve my child’s understanding of symbols?
Direct instructional methods may not be impactful as symbols are abstract and denote relationships between quantities. You can use games, online learning platforms, and video tools to help kids visualize what a symbol represents. Different characters, such as pi, imaginary constant, and roman numerals, can also be demonstrated with visual aids.