Scribd
Upload
17 views

Chapter_02_Mathematical_Expression_and_Basic_Math_Symbols_List

math symbole

Uploaded by

Sirine Sassi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
17 views

Chapter_02_Mathematical_Expression_and_Basic_Math_Symbols_List

math symbole

Uploaded by

Sirine Sassi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

MATH SYMBOLS LESSON Dr.

Abdelmalek ZAHAF

Basic Math Symbols List

Mathematics is a universal language that is used all around the world. For English
language learners, understanding the basic math symbols can be a key to unlocking
this powerful subject. In this lesson, you will explore various common symbols and
their meanings, helping you to become more confident in your mathematical studies.
1 - Basic Arithmetic Symbols
For those learning the English language, understanding the math symbols used in
basic arithmetic can make mathematical communication more accessible. These
symbols are foundational and appear in everyday math problems.
- Addition (+) or Plus: used to add two numbers or variables together.
- Subtraction (−) or Minus: used to subtract one number or variable from
another.
- Multiplication (×) or Times: used to multiply numbers or variables.
- Division (÷) or Divided by: used to divide one number or variable by
another.

By familiarizing yourself with these basic arithmetic symbols, you have taken an
important step in understanding mathematical expressions in English. This
knowledge will aid you in various daily tasks and studies.
2 - Symbols in Algebra
Algebra often contains math symbols that may have confusing English names. These
symbols in mathematics are essential in forming and solving equations, representing
unknowns, and expressing relationships.
- x, y, z: often used to represent unknown numbers or variables; in the
equation y = 2x + 3, x and y are variables.
- Equals (=): signifies that two expressions are the same.
- Not equal (≠): shows that two expressions are not the same.

1
MATH SYMBOLS LESSON Dr. Abdelmalek ZAHAF

- Greater than (>): indicates that one number or variable is larger than
another.
- Less than (<): means one number or variable is smaller than another.
- Greater than or equal to (≥): shows that a number or variable is larger than
or equal to another.
- Less than or equal to (≤): denotes that a number or variable is smaller than
or equal to another; x ≤ 3.
- Ratio (:): a comparison of two quantities; the ratio of 4 to 8 is 1:2.
- Percent (%): one part in a hundred; 50% means half.

Understanding algebra math symbols and their meanings will help you make sense
of more complex mathematical expressions. This insight will enable you to engage
with algebraic concepts in your further studies or daily life.
3 - Symbols in Geometry
Geometry, with its unique shapes and relationships, has its own set of symbols that
can be confusing. These symbols help to describe shapes, angles, and spatial
relationships. It is important to know their meanings in English to communicate
about math confidently:
- Degree (°): a unit of measure for angles; e.g. 90° is a right angle.
- Perpendicular (⊥): two lines that intersect at a 90° angle; e.g. “AB⊥CD”
means line AB is perpendicular to line CD.
- Parallel (∥): two lines that run in the same direction and never meet; e.g.
“AB∥CD” means line AB is parallel to line CD.

Mastering these geometry symbols can enhance your understanding of spatial


mathematics and design concepts. Whether in class or on the job, you'll find these
math symbols valuable in many practical applications.

2
MATH SYMBOLS LESSON Dr. Abdelmalek ZAHAF

4 - Advanced Math Symbols List


Advanced mathematics introduces symbols that may be completely new to those
learning different math symbols in English. Here is a math symbols list used in
specialized areas such as calculus, logic, and complex number theory.
- Union (∪): represents the combination of two sets; includes all unique
elements from both sets.
- Intersection (∩): denotes the common elements between two sets; includes
only the elements found in both sets.
- Element of (∈): used to express that an object is an element of a set; 3 ∈ {1,
2, 3}.
- Squared (²): used to indicate a number raised to the power of 2; 3² = 9.
- Cubed (³): used to indicate a number raised to the power of 3; 2³ = 8.
- Square Root (√): represents the non-negative value that, when multiplied by
itself, gives the original number; √9 = 3.
- Sine (sin): a trigonometric function that represents the ratio of the side
opposite an angle to the hypotenuse in a right triangle (e.g. y=sin(x)
- Cosine (cos): another trigonometric function representing the ratio of the
adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle. (e.g. y=cos(x)
- Infinity (∞): a concept used to describe something without any bounds;
often used in limits.
- Approximately equal to (≈): used to show that two numbers are almost, but
not exactly, equal; π ≈ 3.14.
- Function (f(x)): represents a rule that assigns each input exactly one output;
f(x) = 2x + 3 is a linear function.
- Derivative (d/dx): signifies the rate at which a function is changing; used in
calculus to find slopes of tangents.

3
MATH SYMBOLS LESSON Dr. Abdelmalek ZAHAF

- Integral (∫): represents the accumulation of quantities; used in calculus to


find areas under curves.
- Implies (⇒): used in logic to denote that one statement implies another;
“p⇒q” means "if p then q."
- Equivalent (≡): used in logic to mean that two statements are logically
equivalent; p ≡ q means p implies q, and q implies p.
- Prime (ℙ): used to describe numbers that have only two divisors: 1 and
itself; 2, 3, 5 are examples of prime numbers.
- Mean (x̄): the average of a set of numbers; found by adding all numbers and
dividing by the count. For example, x̄(4;8)=6.
- Standard Deviation (σ): measures the amount of variation or dispersion in
a set of values.
- Transpose (T): changes the rows and columns with each other in a matrix;
used to reorient data in linear algebra.
- Dot Product (·): represents the sum of the products of the corresponding
entries of two sequences of numbers; used in vector multiplication.
- Imaginary Unit (i): the square root of −1; used in complex numbers to
define numbers that are not real.
- Congruent (≅): used to describe figures that have the same size and shape;
two triangles are congruent if their corresponding sides and angles are equal.
- Pi (π): a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's
circumference to its diameter; approximately 3.14159.
- For all (∀): denotes that a statement holds for all members of a certain set or
group; used in logic and set theory.
- There exists (∃): used to specify that there is at least one element that
satisfies a particular property; also used in logic and set theory.

4
MATH SYMBOLS LESSON Dr. Abdelmalek ZAHAF

Grasping these advanced math symbol names will empower you to delve into higher-
level mathematical studies. For English language learners aiming to specialize in
mathematics or related fields, this understanding will be a significant asset.

Conclusion

Understanding these basic math symbols is essential for anyone learning


mathematics, especially for those studying it in a new language. By familiarizing
yourself with different math symbols, you can better interpret mathematical
expressions and equations and grow more comfortable in your studies. Whether
you're a student or a lifelong learner, math symbols are the foundation of
understanding mathematical concepts, enabling you to build on your knowledge and
explore more complex ideas.

5
MATH SYMBOLS LESSON Dr. Abdelmalek ZAHAF

Exercises of Mathematical Expressions

Example 01:

𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙, 𝒚𝒚) = �(𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 + 𝟐𝟐) + 𝒆𝒆−𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑

A - The function of the variables x and y equals “is equal” the square

root of the sum of the variable x squared and the variable x times

three and two, plus the exponential of the variables x and y times

minus three.

B - The function of the variables x and y equals the variable x squared

plus the variable x times three plus two, all between brackets, all is

square root, plus the exponential of the variables x and y times

minus three.

You might also like