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Mathematics Symbols

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Symbols in Mathematics

The symbols in Mathematics are frequently used to define a figure or combination of figures that are used to represent the Mathematical objects, an action on Mathematical objects, a relation between Mathematical objects, or for arranging the other symbols that appear in the formula. As formulas are entirely formed with symbols of different types, many symbols are required for representing all Mathematics.


Also, there are many Mathematical symbols that have some predefined values. To simplify the expressions, we can use these values rather than the symbols. Some of the examples are pi(\[\pi\]) symbols which hold the value of 3.14, and e symbols which hold the value e = 2.718281828. This symbol is known as Euler's constant or e-constant.


Here, we will represent the list of symbols used in Mathematics in a tabular format that are important for the students to solve Mathematics questions. 


Basic Symbols in Mathematics

Here is the list of the basic symbols in Mathematics that are commonly used.

Symbols 

Meaning

Mathematics Symbols Examples

+

Add

6 + 4 = 10

-

Subtract

7 - 3 = 4

=

Equals To

2 + 2 = 4

\[\equiv\]

Identically equals to

The identity \[(\alpha+\beta)^{2}=\alpha^{2}+\beta^{2}+ 2\alpha\]

\[\approx\]

Approximately equals to

\[\pi \approx\]3.14

\[\div\]

Division

12 \[\div\] 2 = 6

<

Greater Than

11 > 9

>

Lesser Than

9 < 19

\[\times\]

Multiplication

6 \[\times\] 4 = 24

\[\neq\]

Not Equals To

6 + 1\[\neq\]8

\[\geq\]

Greater Than or Equals To

a + b\[\geq\]c

\[\leq\]

Lesser Than or Equals To

a + b\[\leq\]c

%

Percentage

60% = \[\frac{60}{100}\]

.

Decimal Point 

\[\frac{1}{3}\]= 0.333

-

Vinculum


Both numerator and denominator are separated by vinculum

\[\frac{4}{5}\]

\[\sqrt{}\]

Square Root

\[\sqrt{9}\] = 3

\[\sqrt[3]{y}\]

Cube Root of y

\[\sqrt[3]{64}\] = 4

\[\sqrt[n]{y}\]

Nth root of y

\[\sqrt[4]{81}\] = 3

()

Parenthesis

9 + ( 8 - 2) = 9 + 6 = 15

{ }

Flower Bracket

14 \[\div\]{ 3 \[\times\] ( 2 + (4 - 2)) + 2}


14 \[\div\] {3 \[\times\] (2 + 2)} + 2}


14 \[\div\] {3\[\times\] 4  + 2}


14\[\div\] {14}


= 1

\[\left [  \right ]\]

Square Bracket

7 \[\times\] \[\left [3 + ( 5 - 2)\right ]\] + 2


7 \[\times\] \[\left [3 +  3 + 2\right ]\]


7 \[\times\] 6 + 2


44

\[\epsilon\]

Belongs To

0 \[\epsilon\] whole number 

\[\notin\]

Not belongs to

\[\frac{1}{3}\notin\] natural number 

Therefore

\[\alpha\]+ 1 = 2 \[\alpha\]= 1

Because

\[\frac{1}{3}\]0.33 = 1 ( \[\frac{1}{3}\]= 0.33)

\[\infty\]

Infinity

Infinity means countless


\[\frac{1}{4}\]when expressed in decimal form,


 is endless 0.4444

!

Factorial

6! = 6\[\times\] 5\[\times\]4\[\times\]3\[\times\]2\[\times\]1


Mathematics Logic Symbols

The table below represents the  Mathematics logic symbols that are frequently used to express logical representations.

Symbols

Meaning

Mathematics Logic Symbols Examples

There exist at least one element

∃ y : P(y) ∃ y: F(y)


There exist at least one element of p(y), y,


such that F(y) is true

∃!

There exist at least one and only element

∃! Y: F(y)


It implies that there is exactly one y 


Such that F(y) is true

\[\forall\]

For all

\[\forall\] n > 1; n² > 1

\[\vee\]

Logical or

The statement X\[\vee\]Y is true


If X or Y is true


If Both are false


The statement is false

\[\wedge\]

Logical And

The statement X\[\wedge\]Y is true


If X and Y are both true


Else it is False

\[\Rightarrow\]

Implies

y = 2


\[\Rightarrow\] y² = 4

If and only if

Example: a + \[\theta\] = b + \[\theta\] ⇔ a = b 

¬

Logical Not

Statement K is true 


If ¬ is false


a \[\neq\]b⇔ ¬ (a= b)

| Or :

Such that 

{y | y > 0} = {0 ,1,2,3..}

y'

Not - negation

y'

\[\overline{y}\]

Not - negation

\[\overline{y}\]

!

Not - negation

!y


Algebra Symbols

The table below represents the list of algebra symbols with names and examples:

Algebraic Symbols

Name

Examples

p,q

Variables

p = 5 , q = 2

+

Add

3x + 4x = 7x

-

Subtract

4x - 2x = 2x

.

Product

3x.4x = 12x

Division

\[\frac{2x}{3x}\]

\[\equiv\]

Identically equals to

\[(x+\alpha)^{2}=x^{2}+\alpha^{2}+2x\alpha\]

\[\neq\]

Not equals to

a + 4 = b + 3 \[\Rightarrow\] a\[\equiv\]b

=

Equals to

x = 5

\[\propto\]

Proportional To

a \[\propto\] b \[\Leftrightarrow\] a = kb

F(y)

Function maps values of y to f(y)

f(y) = y + 4

\[\gg\]

Much Greater Than

1 > 1000000

\[\ll\]

Much Less than

1 < 1000000

\[\left [  \right ]\]

Brackets

\[\left [(3 + 4)*(1+ 6)\right ]\] = 49

( )

Parenthesis

4 * ( 7 + 5) = 48

\[\approx\]

Approximately Equals

sin(0.01) \[\approx\]  0.01

\[\sim\]

Approximately Equals

7 \[\sim\] 8


Combiantric Symbols

The table below represents the combiantric symbols that are frequently used.

Combiantric Symbols

Meaning

Examples

n!

n Factorial

n! = n \[ \times ( n - 1) \times(n - 2) \times( n - 3)\times….\times3\times 1\]

\[nC_{r}\]


Or


\[\binom{n}{r}\]

Combination

\[\frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}\]


\[6C_{3}=\frac{6!}{4!(6!-4!)}\] =  20

\[nP_{r}\]

Permutation

\[nP_{r}= (n) \times(n - 1)\times(n - 2)\times...\times ( n - r -1)\times\](n - r -2)


\[7P_{r}= 7 \times 6 \times5 \times4 \times3\] = 2520


Greek Symbols

The table below represents greek symbols along with their meaning and examples.

Greek Symbols

Meaning

Examples

\[\alpha\]

Alpha

Used to represent angles, coefficients.

\[\beta\]

Beta

Used to represent angles, coefficients.

\[\gamma\]

Gamma

Used to represent angles, coefficients.

\[\Delta\]

Delta

Discriminant Symbol

\[\lambda\]

Lambda

Represents constant

\[\pi\]

Pi

\[\pi = 3.14 or \frac{22}{7}\]

\[\epsilon\]

Epsilon

Used to denote Universal set

\[\Theta\]

Theta

Denotes angles

\[\rho\]

Rho

Statistical Constant

\[\Sigma\]

Sigma

Denotes the sum

\[\phi\]

Phi

Diameter symbol

\[\iota\]

Iota

Used to denote imaginary numbers


Roman Numeral Symbols

The table below represents roman numeral symbols and their meanings.

Roman Numerals

Meaning

Examples

I

Value in numbers = 1

I = 1

V

Value in numbers = 5

VIII = (5 + 1 + 1) = 6, VIII = (5 + 1 + 1) = 8

X

Value in numbers = 10

XI = (10 + 1)

L

Value in numbers = 50

LI = ( 50 + 1)

C

Value in numbers = 100

CC = ( 100 +100)

D

Value in numbers = 500

DCI = ( 500 + 100 + 1) = 601

M

Value in numbers = 1000

MM = ( 1000 + 1000) = 2000

R or \[\mathbb{R}\]

Real number

\[\frac{1}{5},\frac{1}{6},0.7,\sqrt{5},\sqrt{6}\]


N or \[\mathbb{N}\]

Natural number

1,2,3,4,,5,...100

Z or \[\mathbb{Z}\]

Integers

1, 2, 3 ,6,-7,-9

Q or \[\mathbb{Q}\]

Rational Numbers

\[-\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{4}\],0.5

P or P

Irrational numbers

\[\sqrt{2},\sqrt{3},\sqrt{4}\],

C or C

Complex numbers 

6 + 2i


Geometric Symbols

The table below represents geometric symbols along with their names and meaning. 

Geometric Symbols

Meaning

Examples

\[\angle\]

Angle

\[\angle\]XYZ

\[\triangle\]

Triangle symbol

\[\triangle\]XYZ

\[\cong\]

Congruent to

\[\triangle XYZ\cong \triangle ABC\]

\[\sim\]

Similar to

\[\triangle XYZ\sim \triangle ABC\]

\[\perp\]

Is perpendicular with

AB \[\perp\] XY

\[\parallel\]

Is parallel with

AB \[\parallel\] XY

\[^{\circ}\]

Degree

\[70^{\circ}\]

\[\bar{XY}\]

Line segment XY

A line starting from point X to point Y

\[\vec{XY}\]

Ray XY

A line starting from point R extends through Y

\[\overline{XY}\]

Line XY

An infinite line passing through points X and Y

\[^{c}\]

Radian symbols

\[360^{\circ}=2\pi^{c}\]

|A- B| 

Distance between  points A and B

| A- B| = 6

\[\sphericalangle\]

Spherical angle

XOY = 30°

´

1° = 60´

\[\alpha\] = 60º59′

´´

1’ = 60´´ 

\[\alpha\] = 60º59’59”


Venn Diagram and Set Theory Symbols

The table below represents the Venn diagram and set theory symbols meaning and examples

Symbols

Meaning

Examples

\[\cup\]

Union

X = { 2, 3, 4}


Y = { 4, 5, 6}


X \[\cup\]Y = {2, 3,4, 5, 6}

\[\cap\] 

Intersection

X = { 2, 3, 4}


Y = { 4, 5, 6}


X \[\cap\]Y = {4}

\[\varnothing\]

Empty Set

A set with no elements: \[\varnothing\] = { }

\[\epsilon\]

Is a element of

3\[\epsilon\mathbb{N}\]

\[\notin\]

Is not an element of

0\[\notin\mathbb{N}\]

\[\subset\]

Is a subset of 

\[\mathbb{N}\subset\]|

\[\supset\]

Is a superset of

R\[\supset\]W

P(X)

The power set of P

P {(1,2)} = { {}, {1}, {2}, {1,2}}

X = Y

Equality


(Same element in set X and set Y)

X = {4,5}; Y = { 4,5}


\[\Rightarrow\]X = Y


|X|

Cardinality is the number of element in set X

|{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}| = 5


Mathematics Symbols Examples With Solutions

  1. Evaluate 6 \[\div\] 2 − (3 − 5) 

Solution 

The expressions given in the bracket will be evaluated first:

6 \[\div\] 2 − (3 − 5) = 6 \[\div\] 2 − (−2)

The division will be performed before subtraction as it has higher priority and so this is carried out next giving 

6 \[\div\] 2 − (−2)  = 3 − (−2) 

Subtraction of a  negative number is equivalent to the addition of a  positive number.  

Accordingly, 3 − (−2)  = 3 + 2 = 5  


  1. What down explicitly what does \[\sum_{x=1}^{4}\] x³ means?

Solutions: 

We must let x range from 1 to 4.

\[\sum_{x=1}^{4}\] x³ = 1³ + 2³ + 3³ + 4³ 


  1. Evaluate 3! And 5! without using a calculator.

Solution:

6! =  \[6\times5\times4\times3\times2\times1\] = 720

5! =  \[5\times4\times3\times2\times1\] = 120

FAQs on Mathematics Symbols

1. What are mathematical symbols and why are they important in learning Maths?

Mathematical symbols are characters or combinations of characters used to represent a mathematical idea, object, or operation. They are crucial because they function as a shorthand, making complex ideas concise and easy to work with. For example, instead of writing "the sum of two and three equals five," we can simply write "2 + 3 = 5." This makes mathematics a universal language that can be understood across different languages and cultures.

2. What are the most common symbols used in basic arithmetic?

The most fundamental symbols in arithmetic represent basic operations. According to the CBSE syllabus for primary classes, these include:

  • Addition (+): Used to find the sum of two or more numbers.
  • Subtraction (-): Used to find the difference between two numbers.
  • Multiplication (×): Used for repeated addition of a number.
  • Division (÷): Used to split a number into equal parts.
  • Equals (=): Indicates that the value on the left side is exactly the same as the value on the right side.

3. What are some important mathematical symbols beyond basic arithmetic taught in the CBSE syllabus?

As students advance, they learn more specialised symbols across different branches of mathematics. Some important examples include:

  • π (Pi): Represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159.
  • √ (Square Root): Represents a number which, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number.
  • % (Percent): Represents a fraction of 100.
  • ∠ (Angle): Used in geometry to denote an angle.
  • ∈ (Belongs to): A set theory symbol meaning "is an element of".
  • ∞ (Infinity): Represents a concept of endlessness or a quantity larger than any number.
  • ∴ (Therefore): Used in logical arguments and proofs to indicate a conclusion.

4. How do mathematical symbols differ from mathematical notation?

A mathematical symbol is typically a single character or glyph representing a concept (e.g., '+', '√', 'π'). In contrast, mathematical notation is a broader system of using symbols and rules to represent complex mathematical ideas or operations. For example, function notation like f(x) = 2x + 1 is a form of notation that uses multiple symbols (=, +, variable x) to describe a relationship.

5. What is the difference between the equals sign (=), the approximately equals sign (≈), and the congruent sign (≅)?

These symbols indicate different types of relationships and are not interchangeable:

  • The equals sign (=) is used for exact equality. It means two expressions have the exact same value (e.g., 5 + 5 = 10).
  • The approximately equals sign (≈) is used when two values are very close but not exactly the same, often in the case of rounding (e.g., π ≈ 3.14).
  • The congruent sign (≅) is primarily used in geometry to state that two figures have the same shape and size (e.g., ΔABC ≅ ΔXYZ).

6. Why can the same symbol have different meanings in different mathematical contexts?

The meaning of a symbol depends entirely on the mathematical context in which it is used. This is a key concept for avoiding confusion. For example, a dot symbol can mean different things:

  • In arithmetic, '3.14' uses the dot as a decimal point.
  • In vector algebra, 'A · B' uses the dot to represent the dot product of two vectors.
  • In some notations, it can also signify multiplication.
  • Therefore, it is essential to understand the topic area to correctly interpret the symbols involved.

7. What does the symbol '∈' mean in set theory?

The symbol '∈' means "is an element of" or "belongs to." It is used to show that an object is a member of a set, a key topic in the Class 11 CBSE Maths syllabus. For instance, if we have a set A = {1, 3, 5, 7}, we can write 3 ∈ A, which reads as "3 is an element of set A." Conversely, the symbol '∉' means "is not an element of," so we would write 4 ∉ A.