Symbols in Algebra
Common Symbols Used in Algebra
Symbols save time and space when writing. Here are the most common algebraic symbols:
Symbol | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
+ | add | 3+7 = 10 |
− | subtract | 5−2 = 3 |
× | multiply | 4×3 = 12 |
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multiply (as "×" can look like "x") | 4·3 = 12 |
/ | divide | 20/5 = 4 |
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square root ("radical") | √4 = 2 |
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cube root | |
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nth root | |
( ) | grouping symbols (round brackets) | 2(a−3) |
[ ] | grouping symbols (square brackets) | 2[ a−3(b+c) ] |
{ } | set symbols (curly brackets) | {1,2,3} |
= | equals | 1+1 = 2 |
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approximately equal to | π ![]() |
≠ | not equal to | π ≠ 2 |
< ≤ | less than, less than or equal to | 2 < 3 |
> ≥ | greater than, greater than or equal to | 5 > 1 |
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implies (if ... then) | a and b are odd![]() |
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"if and only if" or iff or "is equivalent to" | x=y+1![]() |
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Therefore | a=b ![]() |
! | Factorial | 4! = 4×3×2×1 = 24 |