Introduction
Many people today find math to be challenging. Algebraic symbols that are significant and have names must be understood, nevertheless. A branch of mathematics called algebra deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating them. These symbols are used in algebra to represent variables, which are quantities without fixed values. In algebra, equations express relationships between variables in a manner similar to how sentences describe relationships between particular words.
Let us look at the various symbols used in algebra in this article, how they represent values, and what they mean when they are used in notations or equations.
What are Symbols in Algebra?
Definition
Symbols in algebra provide mathematical equations and expressions consistency. Symbols in Algebra are used to represent variables, quantities without fixed values, and equations that express relationships between variables, like how sentences describe relationships between particular words.
Writing, interpreting, and performing computations using algebraic symbols and signs is quicker and simpler. It would be pointless to spend time and effort explaining the meanings of the various symbols in words. Different algebraic symbols and signs are used, and it will be easier to conduct and comprehend calculations if you are familiar with the meanings of the various algebraic symbols.
Frequently Used Symbols in Algebra
The table below shows some of the most frequently used symbols in Algebra.
Algebraic Symbol | Symbol Name | Meaning | Example |
= | equal sign | equality | 4 + 5 = 9 4 + 5 is equal to 9 |
x | x variable | unknown quantity | when 5x=20, then x=4 |
≠ | not equal sign | inequality | 5 ≠ 7 |
+ | plus sign | addition | 3 + 6 = 9 |
– | minus sign | subtraction | 10 – 7 = 3 |
X | times sign | multiplication | 3 × 9 = 27 |
. | multiplication dot | multiplication | 2 ⋅ 10 = 20 |
* | asterisk | multiplication | 4 * 3 = 12 |
÷ | divide sign / obelus | division | 20 ÷ 4 = 5 |
/ | slash | division | 30/5 = 6 |
√ | radical sign | square root | √36 =6 |
3√ | cube root | cube root | 3√8=2 |
n√ | nth root | ||
< | less than | inequality | 5 < 8 |
> | greater than | inequality | 10 > 7 |
≤ | less than or equal to | inequality | a≤c means that a = c or a < c |
≥ | greater than or equal to | inequality | a≥c means that a = c or a > c |
( ) | parentheses | grouping of expressions or numbers | ( 4 × 5 ) + 6 = 20 + 6 |
[ ] | square brackets | grouping of expressions or numbers | 5 [ ( 3 × 2 ) ] = 5 × 6 |
{ } | curly brackets | grouping of expressions or numbers | 3 { ( 5 × 2 ) } = 3 × 10 |
± | plus – minus sign | both addition and subtraction operations | 6 ± 4 = 10 and 2 6 + 4 = 10 6 – 4 = 2 |
∓ | minus – plus sign | both subtraction and addition operations | 8 ± 3 = 11 and 5 8 + 3 = 11 8 – 3 = 5 |
^ | caret | exponent | 3 ^ 2 = 9 |
≈ | approximately equal to | approximation | e≈2.71828 |
∴ | therefore sign | conclusion | x = y ∴ y = x |
! | factorial | multiply all the integers and positives between the number that appears in the formula and the number 1. | 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 5! =120 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 4! =24 |
| | | Vertical bars | Absolute value | | – 8 | = | 8 | = 8 |
f ( x ) | Function of x | For any number x, f x depends on the value of x | f ( x ) = 2x-5 f ( x ) = x+6 |
∑ | Sigma | Sum of all values in the given range | $\sum_{i=1}^{8}$2i =2 (1) + 2 (2) + 2 (3) + 2 (4) + 2 (5) + 2 (6) + 2 (7) + 2 (8) |
∆ | Delta | Change | m=$\frac{∆y}{∆x}$ |
f∘g | f composition g or f composed with g of x | Composition of Functions | f ( x ) = 2x g ( x ) = x + 6 ( f∘g )( x ) = 2 ( x + 6 ) |
Common Mathematical Constants
Constants are symbols used in algebra to represent essential mathematical elements. Natural numbers, integers, reals, and complex numbers are frequently represented as constants. The names, applications, and examples of the most common symbols are listed in the tables below.
Mathematical Constant | Meaning |
π ( Pi ) | The ratio of a circle’s circumference and diameter Half-circumference of a unit circle. An irrational number and approximately 3.1416 |
e ( Euler’s Number ) | Approximately 2.718 The base of the natural algorithm |
φ ( Phi, golden ratio) | Approximately 1.618 The ratio between two positive numbers a > b such that $\frac{a+b}{a}=\frac{a}{b}$ |
i ( Imaginary unit ) | The square root of -1 or $\sqrt{-1}$ A solution to the quadratic equation (x2+1=0) |
Symbols for Sets
There are some sets of numbers that appear more frequently in algebra. Numerous variations of alphabetical letters, many of which are in the blackboard bold typeface, are commonly used to indicate these sets.
Symbol | Meaning | Example |
Z | Set of all integers This set includes all whole numbers and negative numbers. | { … -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 , 4 } |
Z+ | Set of all positive integers | { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, … } |
Z– | Set of all negative integers | { -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, … } |
N | Set of all natural numbers This set includes numbers from 1 and ends at infinity | {1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, … } |
R R+ R– | Set of all real numbers This set includes all numbers except complex numbers. Set of all positive real numbers Set of all negative real numbers | All rational and irrational numbers. |
Q Q+ Q– | Set of all rational numbers All rational numbers can be written as the quotient of two integers with a non-zero denominator. Set of all positive rational numbers Set of all negative rational numbers | Q={$\frac{a}{b}$, b≠0} 5/3 , ½ , 10/3, 5, 4, 0.54, 0.234 -½ , -0.05, -7, -3.25, -8.75 |
Q’ | Set of all irrational numbers This set includes all real numbers that cannot be expressed as a fraction and can neither terminate nor repeat when in decimal form. | $\sqrt{2}$, π, $\sqrt{72}$, 3, $\sqrt{10}$ |
C | Set of all complex numbers This set includes the set of real numbers and a set of imaginary numbers. | 3 + 2i 5 + $\sqrt{-15}$ |
Common Relational Symbols
Relational symbols, frequently associated with ideas like equality comparison, are used in algebra to indicate the relationship between two mathematical elements. The most typical of these are detailed in the tables below.
Symbol | Meaning |
c = d | c is equal to d |
c ≈ d | c is approximately equal to d |
c ≠ d | c is not equal to d |
c ≡ d | c is equivalent to d |
c < d | c is less than d |
c > d | c is greater than d |
c ≤ d | c is less than or equal to d |
c ≥ d | c is greater than or equal to d |
c ≪ d | c is much smaller than d |
c ≫ d | c is much greater than d |
c ≻ d | c succeeds d |
c ∣ d | integer c divides integer d |
c ∤ d | integer c does not divide integer d |
c ⊥ d | integers c and d are coprime |
Common Delimiters
Delimiters are mathematical symbols that indicate the division between various distinct mathematical elements. Common delimiters like parentheses, brackets, and braces are among them.
Symbol | Meaning |
( ) , [ ] , { } | Order of Operation Example: { [ ( 2 + 3 ) + 4 ] } – 10 |
. | Decimal separator Example: 1.25 + 2. 50 = 3.75 |
, | Object separator Example: { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 } |
[ a, b ] | Closed interval from a to b a ≤ x ≤ b |
( a, b ) | Open interval from a to b a < x < b |
( a, b ] | Left open interval from a to b a < x ≤ b |
[ a, b ) | Right open interval from a to b a ≤ x < b |
Common Math Operators
Operators are symbols that are used to indicate mathematical operations. The table below shows some of the commonly used operators.
Symbol | Meaning | Example |
a + b | Addition a plus b | 5 + 3 = 8 -6 + -7 = -13 10 + 4 = 14 |
a – b | Subtraction a minus b | 20 – 18 = 2 5 – 10 = -5 25 – 12 = 13 |
a × b, a ⋅ b | Multiplication a times b | 4 × 5 = 20 9 ⋅ 3 = 27 |
a ÷ b | Division a divided by b | 10 ÷ 2 = 5 24 ÷ 6 = 4 |
a/b | Fraction a over b | ½=0.50 |
± | plus – minus sign both addition and subtraction operations | 6 ± 4 = 10 and 2 6 + 4 = 10 6 – 4 = 2 |
∓ | minus – plus sign both subtraction and addition operations | 8 ± 3 = 11 and 5 8 + 3 = 11 8 – 3 = 5 |
√a | Square root of a | $\sqrt{16} = \sqrt{4⋅4}$ |
3√a | Cube root of a | 3√8 = 2 |
n√a | Nth root of a | 5√32 = 2 |
| a | | Absolute value of a | | -7 | = | 7 | = 7 |
Linear Algebra Symbols
The table below shows some examples of symbols used in linear algebra.
Symbol | Name |
̇ | dot |
X | cross |
X ⊗ Y | tensor product |
[ ] | brackets |
( ) | Parentheses |
| A | | determinant |
AT | transpose |
det ( A ) | determinant |
A † | Hermitian matrix |
A-1 | inverse matrix |
rank ( A ) | matrix rank |
dim ( U ) | dimension |
∥A∥ | double vertical bars |
⟨x,y⟩ | inner product |
Summary
Definition
Symbols in algebra provide mathematical equations and expressions consistency. Symbols in Algebra are used to represent variables, quantities without fixed values, and equations that express relationships between variables, like how sentences describe relationships between particular words.
There are thousands of symbols available, but there are some that are rarely used. Common symbols are relational symbols, mathematical constants, delimiters, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions on Symbols on Algebra ( FAQs)
Why do we use symbols in algebra?
It is quicker and simpler to write, interpret, and perform computations using algebraic symbols and signs. It would be pointless to spend time and effort explaining the meanings of the various symbols in words. Different algebraic symbols and signs are used, and it will be easier to conduct and comprehend calculations if you are familiar with the meanings of the various algebraic symbols.
What are some examples of commonly used symbols in algebra?
The table below shows some of the most frequently used symbols in Algebra.
Algebraic Symbol | Symbol Name | Meaning | Example |
= | equal sign | equality | 4 + 5 = 9 4 + 5 is equal to 9 |
x | x variable | unknown quantity | when 5x=20, then x=4 |
≠ | not equal sign | inequality | 5 ≠ 7 |
+ | plus sign | addition | 3 + 6 = 9 |
– | minus sign | subtraction | 10 – 7 = 3 |
X | times sign | multiplication | 3 × 9 = 27 |
. | multiplication dot | multiplication | 2 ⋅ 10 = 20 |
* | asterisk | multiplication | 4 * 3 = 12 |
÷ | divide sign / obelus | division | 20 ÷ 4 = 5 |
/ | slash | division | 30/5 = 6 |
√ | radical sign | square root | √36 =6 |
3√ | cube root | cube root | 3√8=2 |
n√ | nth root | ||
< | less than | inequality | 5 < 8 |
> | greater than | inequality | 10 > 7 |
≤ | less than or equal to | inequality | a≤c means that a = c or a < c |
≥ | greater than or equal to | inequality | a≥c means that a = c or a > c |
( ) | parentheses | grouping of expressions or numbers | ( 4 × 5 ) + 6 = 20 + 6 |
[ ] | square brackets | grouping of expressions or numbers | 5 [ ( 3 × 2 ) ] = 5 × 6 |
{ } | curly brackets | grouping of expressions or numbers | 3 { ( 5 × 2 ) } = 3 × 10 |
± | plus – minus sign | both addition and subtraction operations | 6 ± 4 = 10 and 2 6 + 4 = 10 6 – 4 = 2 |
∓ | minus – plus sign | both subtraction and addition operations | 8 ± 3 = 11 and 5 8 + 3 = 11 8 – 3 = 5 |
^ | caret | exponent | 3 ^ 2 = 9 |
≈ | approximately equal to | approximation | e≈2.71828 |
∴ | therefore sign | conclusion | x = y ∴ y = x |
! | factorial | multiply all the integers and positives between the number that appears in the formula and the number 1. | 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 5! =120 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 4! =24 |
| | | Vertical bars | Absolute value | | – 8 | = | 8 | = 8 |
f ( x ) | Function of x | For any number x, f x depends on the value of x | f ( x ) = 2x-5 f ( x ) = x+6 |
∑ | Sigma | Sum of all values in the given range | $\sum_{i=1}^{8}$2i =2 (1) + 2 (2) + 2 (3) + 2 (4) + 2 (5) + 2 (6) + 2 (7) + 2 (8) |
∆ | Delta | Change | m=$\frac{∆y}{∆x}$ |
f∘g | f composition g or f composed with g of x | Composition of Functions | f ( x ) = 2x g ( x ) = x + 6 ( f∘g )( x ) = 2 ( x + 6 ) |
What are examples of relational symbols or operators in Algebra?
Relational symbols, frequently associated with ideas like equality comparison, are used in algebra to indicate the relationship between two mathematical elements. The most typical of these are detailed in the tables below.
Symbol | Meaning |
c = d | c is equal to d |
c ≈ d | c is approximately equal to d |
c ≠ d | c is not equal to d |
c ≡ d | c is equivalent to d |
c < d | c is less than d |
c > d | c is greater than d |
c ≤ d | c is less than or equal to d |
c ≥ d | c is greater than or equal to d |
c ≪ d | c is much smaller than d |
c ≫ d | c is much greater than d |
What are the different kinds of brackets used in algebra?
Using brackets in algebra designates groups of numbers that must be evaluated together, and any numbers contained within brackets must first be evaluated.
The different kinds of brackets are parentheses or round brackets, ( ), curly or braced brackets, { }, and square or box brackets [ ].
The order of operation of brackets can be illustrated as [ { ( ) } ].
How many symbols in algebra are there?
It is quicker and simpler to write, interpret, and perform computations using algebraic symbols and signs. There are thousands of symbols available, but there are some that are rarely used. Common symbols are relational symbols, mathematical constants, delimiters, etc. The tables below show some of the frequently used symbols.
Common Mathematical Constant
Mathematical Constant | Meaning |
π ( Pi ) | The ratio of a circle’s circumference and diameter Half-circumference of a unit circle. An irrational number and approximately 3.1416 |
e ( Euler’s Number ) | Approximately 2.718 The base of the natural algorithm |
φ ( Phi, golden ratio) | Approximately 1.618 The ratio between two positive numbers a > b such that $\frac{a+b}{a}=\frac{a}{b}$ |
i ( Imaginary unit ) | The square root of -1 or $\sqrt{-1}$ A solution to the quadratic equation (x2+1=0) |
Common Relational Symbols
Symbol | Meaning |
c = d | c is equal to d |
c ≈ d | c is approximately equal to d |
c ≠ d | c is not equal to d |
c ≡ d | c is equivalent to d |
c < d | c is less than d |
c > d | c is greater than d |
c ≤ d | c is less than or equal to d |
c ≥ d | c is greater than or equal to d |
c ≪ d | c is much smaller than d |
c ≫ d | c is much greater than d |
c ≻ d | c succeeds d |
c ∣ d | integer c divides integer d |
c ∤ d | integer c does not divide integer d |
c ⊥ d | integers c and d are coprime |
Common Math Operators
Symbol | Meaning | Example |
a + b | Addition a plus b | 5 + 3 = 8 -6 + -7 = -13 10 + 4 = 14 |
a – b | Subtraction a minus b | 20 – 18 = 2 5 – 10 = -5 25 – 12 = 13 |
a × b, a ⋅ b | Multiplication a times b | 4 × 5 = 20 9 ⋅ 3 = 27 |
a ÷ b | Division a divided by b | 10 ÷ 2 = 5 24 ÷ 6 = 4 |
a/b | Fraction a over b | ½=0.50 |
± | plus – minus sign both addition and subtraction operations | 6 ± 4 = 10 and 2 6 + 4 = 10 6 – 4 = 2 |
∓ | minus – plus sign both subtraction and addition operations | 8 ± 3 = 11 and 5 8 + 3 = 11 8 – 3 = 5 |
√a | Square root of a | $\sqrt{16} = \sqrt{4⋅4}$ |
3√a | Cube root of a | 3√8 = 2 |
n√a | Nth root of a | 5√32 = 2 |
| a | | Absolute value of a | | -7 | = | 7 | = 7 |
What are symbols in algebra?
Symbols in algebra provide mathematical equations and expressions consistency. Symbols in Algebra are used to represent variables, quantities without fixed values, and equations that express relationships between variables, like how sentences describe relationships between particular words.
It is quicker and simpler to write, interpret, and perform computations using algebraic symbols and signs. It would be pointless to spend time and effort explaining the meanings of the various symbols in words. Different algebraic symbols and signs are used, and it will be easier to conduct and comprehend calculations if you are familiar with the meanings of the various algebraic symbols.
There are thousands of symbols available, but there are some that are rarely used. Common symbols are relational symbols, mathematical constants, delimiters, etc.
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