Math Symbols – Definition with Examples

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What Are Math Symbols?

Math symbols are concise marks, signs, or notations representing mathematical operations, quantities, relations, and functions. These symbols help to represent mathematical concepts and equations concisely. 

Math symbols turn a lengthy explanation into a quick, easy calculation, helping you easily find the answer.

Example: Imagine you’re planning to find the area of a garden. Instead of writing “length times width” every time, math symbols let you simply jot down “l × w.” So, if your garden is 10 meters long and 4 meters wide, instead of saying “ten meters multiplied by four meters,” you can quickly see that 10 × 4 = 40 square meters.

Symbols vary across different areas of mathematics, enabling precise communication of mathematical concepts and abstract ideas.

Math symbols

Math Symbols for Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic is a fundamental branch of mathematics focused on numbers and their relationships. It encompasses basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which are integral to our daily activities.

SymbolsMath Symbol NamesMeaning Examples
$+$Plus signAddition$1 + 2$
$-$Minus signSubtraction$3 – 2$
$\times$Times signMultiplication$5 \times 8$
$\div$Division sign (obelus)Division$9 \div 3$

Commonly Used Mathematical Symbols

The mathematics vocabulary is rich in a wide variety of symbols. Compiling all math symbols here is not possible, but the table below shows the list of math symbols that are commonly used, their names, definitions, and examples.

SymbolsMeaningExamples
$=$Equal to sign (Is equal to)$1 + 2 = 3$
$\neq$Not equal to$5 + 4 \neq 2$
$\pm$Both plus and minus$3(x \pm y) = 3x \pm 3y$
Sometimes used to indicate a range$3 \pm 1$ means numbers from 2 to 4.
$\mp$Both minus and plus$-\;2(a \pm b)= -\;2a \mp 2b$
$\equiv$Identical to$(a + b)^{2} ≡ a^{2} + 2ab + b^{2}$
$\approx$Almost equal to (approximately equal to)$\pi \approx 3.14$
$\neq$Not equal to$5 + 4 \neq 2$
$.$Multiplication dot$(5).(4) = 20$
$/$Division slash$8 \div 2 = 4$
$\lt$Strictly less than$5 \lt 10$
$\gt$Strictly greater than$10 \gt 5$
$\le$Less than or equal to$x \le 3$
$\ge$Greater than or equal to$x \ge 3$
$\ll$Much less than$0.001 \ll 1,000,000$
$\gg$Much greater than$1000 gg y$
$\%$Percentage$\frac{50}{100} = 50\%$ 
$.$Period, decimal point$0.75$
$\overline{}$Vinculum (the line separating the numerator & denominator)$\frac{1}{2}$ 
$\propto$Proportional to $x \propto y$
$\ln$Natural logarithm (log to the base e)$\ln 1 = log_{e} 1 = 0$
$\sqrt{}$Square root$\sqrt{4} = 2$
$3\sqrt{}$Cube root$3\sqrt{27} = 3$
$n\sqrt{}$nth root $5\sqrt{32} = 2$
$\left( \right)$Parentheses (Round brackets)$(a + b)^{2}$
$\left[ \right]$Square brackets (brackets)$\left[a-(b+3)\right]^{2}$
$\left\{ \right\}$Curly brackets (Braces)$\left\{[a-(b+3)]^{2}\right\}^{3}$
$\in$Belongs to$x \in A$
$\notin$Does not belong to$x \notin A$
$\therefore$Therefore$\therefore x = 1$
$\because$Because$b = 2 \because b = a$ and $a = 2$
$\infty$Infinity$x \rightarrow \infty$
$\Sigma$Sigma (summation of all values in the given range)$^{3}\Sigma_{i=1}\; i = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6$

Geometry Symbols

Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. Understanding concepts such as length, width, area, volume, and perimeter is essential for solving geometric problems. 

Symbols often represent specific terms in geometry to facilitate easier communication and problem-solving. These symbols are shorthand for complex geometric terms, making calculations and explanations more efficient. In daily life, these geometric symbols are ubiquitous, helping to quantify and describe the world around us in terms of shape, size, and position.

The table below lists the most commonly used geometric symbols, accompanied by examples to illustrate their application.

SymbolsMeaningExamples
$\angle$angle$∠XYZ$
$\measuredangle$measured angle$\measuredangle\;LMN = 45^{\circ}$
$\triangle$triangle$\triangle\;DEF$
$\cong$Congruent to$\triangle\; PQR \cong \triangle \;ABC$
$\sim$Similar to$\triangle \; PQR \sim \triangle \;ABC$ 
$\perp$is perpendicular to$CD \perp XY$
$∟$right angle$∟\;A$
$\parallel$is parallel to$AB \parallel CD$
$\circ$Degree$50^{\circ}$
(x, y)Ordered pair (represents coordinates of a point)(1, 2)
$\overline{AB}$Line segment Line segment CD
$\overleftrightarrow{AB}$Line Line AB
$\overrightarrow{AB}$Ray Ray AB

Math Symbols in Set Theory, Probability, and Combinatorics

SymbolMeaningFormulaExample
!Factorialn!= n.(n-1).(n-2)…3.2.13! = 3.2.1 = 6
nPrNumber of permutations of n distinct objects, taken r at a timenPr $= \frac{n!}{(n-r)!}$3P2 $= \frac{3!}{(3-2)!} = 6$
nCrNumber of combinations of n distinct objects, taken r at a timenCr $= \frac{n!}{(n-r)!}$3C2 $= \frac{3!}{(3-2)!2!} = 3$
P( )Probability of an event P(A) $= \frac{n(A)}{n(S)}$P(B) $= 1$
{}Empty setA $= \left\{\right\}$
Empty set          B = ∅
$\cup$Union of sets$A \cup B = \left\{\text{x | x is in A or B}\right\}$$A \cup B$
$\cap$Intersection of sets  $A\cap B = \left\{\text{x | x is in A and B}\right\}$$A\cap B$

Mathematical Constants Used as Math Symbols

In mathematics, ‘constants’ refer to entities that maintain fixed values, unlike variables that can change. Constants can encompass essential numbers, fundamental sets, specific concepts of infinity, and pivotal mathematical objects like the identity matrix. Often represented by letters of the alphabet or their variations, these constants are integral to mathematical expressions and equations. Below is a curated table detailing the most frequently encountered constants, including their names, definitions, and applications.

Symbol DescriptionValue
Euler’s constant; the base of the natural logarithm e ≈  2.71828
π Pi: The ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameterπ  ≈ 3.14159
iThe square root of -1$i = \sqrt{-\;1}$
  φGolden ratioφ ≈  1.61803
$\sqrt{2}$Pythagoras’ Constant$\sqrt{2}$ ≈ 1.41421

Math Symbols Used in Logic (Boolean Algebra)

SymbolsMeaningExamples
^andp ^ q
orp ∨ q
there exists ∃ x 
for alln2 > 1          ∀ n > 1  
implies  x = 2 ⟹ x2 = 4
if and only ifx + 1 = y + 1 ⟺ x = y
| or :such thatA = { x | x is a natural number. } A = {1, 2, 3,…}

Numeric Symbols in Different Number Systems

Numbers serve as abstract symbols to denote arithmetic values, enabling us to count, measure, and categorize objects. When dealing with large quantities, such as 4,657, verbal descriptions become cumbersome. To address this, numerical symbols are employed for more efficient communication. The table below presents these quantities alongside their equivalents in Hindu-Arabic and Roman numeral systems, illustrating the diverse ways we represent numbers.

Number NameHindu-Arabic NumeralsRoman numeralBinary
Zero0Did not exist0000
One1I0001
Two2II0010
Three3III0011
Four4IV0100
Five5V0101
Six6VI0110
Seven7VII0111
Eight8VIII1000
Nine9IX1001
Ten10X1010
Eleven11XI1011
Twelve12XII1100
Thirteen13XIII1101
Fourteen14XIV1110
Fifteen15XV1111
Sixteen16XVI10000
Seventeen17XVII10001
Eighteen18XVIII10010
Nineteen19XIX10011
Twenty20XX10100
Thirty30XXX11110
Forty40XL101000
Fifty50L110010
Sixty60LX111100
Seventy70LXX1000110
Eighty80LXXX1010000
Ninety90XC1011010
Hundred100C1100100

Importance of Mathematical Symbols

Mathematical symbols serve as a foundational tool in mathematics, streamlining communication and understanding across various aspects of the discipline. Here’s an organized overview of their significance:

  • Simplifying Language: Mathematical symbols streamline the expression of relationships and statements.
  • Denoting Quantities: They provide a concise way to represent numerical values.
  • Facilitating Discussion: Symbols ease the referencing and analysis of mathematical concepts.
  • Clarifying Operations: They specify the operations to be performed, reducing errors.
  • Universal Communication: Symbols transcend language barriers, enabling global understanding.
Examples of math symbols used in various contexts

Facts about Math Symbols

  • A Scottish mathematician, Robert Recorde, invented the “equal to sign” in 1557.
  • The common symbol for infinity, ∞, was invented by the English mathematician John Wallis in 1655.
  • In mathematics, an exclamation mark (!) represents a factorial symbol.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned about the different math symbols and their crucial role in simplifying and conveying complex mathematical concepts. These symbols form the backbone of mathematical communication, enabling precise and efficient problem-solving. To further our understanding, let’s solve a few examples and practice MCQs on these symbols for better comprehension.

Solved Examples on Math Symbols

1. Express using different math symbols:

i) the sum of a and b

ii) eight times y

iii) x to the power of 5

Solution:

i) The expression “sum of a and b” refers to the addition of the terms “a” and “b.”

Sum of a and b $= a + b$

ii) eight times y

Eight $= 8$

Here, y is a variable.

“Eight times x” refers to the multiplication of 8 and x.

Eight times $y = 8 \times y = 8y$

We can skip the multiplication symbol when we multiply a constant and a variable.

iii) x to the power of 5 means the base is x and the exponent is 5

x to the power of $5 = x^{5}$

2. Identify the meanings of the math symbols.

i) %

ii) $\triangle$

iii) ( )

iv) <

v) e

Solution:

i) % – Percentage

ii) $\triangle$ Triangle

iii) ( ) – Parentheses OR round brackets

iv) < – strictly less than

v) e – The e symbol in math represents the Euler’s constant.

3. Interpret the meanings using the math symbols.

i) $3 + 6$

ii) $x \neq 1$

iii) $a \parallel b$

Solution:

ExpressionMeaning
$3 + 6 \lt 10$The sum of 3 and 6 is strictly less than 10.
$x \neq 1$The value of the variable x is not equal to 1.
$a \parallel b$The line a is parallel to the line b.

4. What are and-or symbols in logic? Give simple examples.

Solution:

In mathematics and logic, the “and” symbol is represented by ∧ and the “or” symbol by ∨. Here’s a simple example using these symbols:

Example 1:

Statement: “It is raining and cold.”

Mathematical Expression: Let statement p represent “It is raining” and q represent “It is cold.” The expression becomes p∧q.

Example 2: 

Statement: “You can have tea or coffee.”

Mathematical Expression: Let statement a represent “You can have tea” and 

b represent “You can have coffee.” The expression becomes a∨b.

Practice Problems on Math Symbols

Math Symbols - Definition with Examples

Attend this quiz & Test your knowledge.

1

Using math symbols, how can you represent "p divided by q"?

$q / p$
$p \div q$
$p.q$
$\frac{q}{p}$
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: $p \div q$
There are different division symbols.
p divided by q can be written as $p \div q$ or $p/q$ or $\frac{p}{q}$.
2

If $l \bot m$, it means that

Lines l and m are parallel
Lines l and m meet at a 45-degree angle
Lines l and m do not intersect
Lines l and m are perpendicular
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: Lines l and m are perpendicular
The statement $l \bot m$ means that the lines l and m are perpendicular to each other.
3

How is "the square root of number k" symbolically expressed?

$3\sqrt{k}$
$k\sqrt{2}$
$\sqrt{k}$
$n\sqrt{k}$
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: $\sqrt{k}$
The square root of the number $k = \sqrt{k}$
4

How would you symbolically state that "variable r is greater than or equal to 10"?

$r \gt 10$
$r \le 10$
$r \gt > 10$ and $r = 10$
$r \ge 10$
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: $r \ge 10$
Variable r is greater than or equal to $10: r \ge 10$
5

What is this symbol in math? $\propto$

Sigma
Equivalent to
Similar to
Proportional to
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: Proportional to
The symbol $\propto$ is used to represent proportional relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about Math Symbols

No, the infinity symbol (∞) represents an unbounded quantity, not a specific number, and is used in mathematics to describe potential infinity.

The symbol for pi, π, was created by British mathematician William Jones in 1706 and later popularized by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler. The symbol is a Greek letter.

A vertical bar is used to represent divisibility. Example: m|n means “m divides n” or “n is divisible by m.”