Symbols are often used for representing various things in various situations. Using symbols, we can easily define certain relations and their properties in maths. However, the usage of symbols is not limited to maths but also has applications in many other fields. Symbols are the source of all individual understanding and assist as channels of interpretation for all personal knowledge. The meaning of a symbol can be stated in different ways but all of which is meant for the same objective. Some of them are:
Definition 1:
A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates (implies) or is understood as representing an object, idea, or relationship.
Definition 2:
A symbol is a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else.
Definition 3:
A symbol is a letter, figure, or other character or mark or a combination of letters or the like used to designate something.
Definition 4:
A symbol could be something that is used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.
Also, in the book named “Sign and Symbols”, the symbol is defined as “a visual image or sign representing an idea, a deeper indicator of universal truth”.
Thus, there might be a lot of definitions for the symbol; the main purpose of using symbols is to represent things and relations between them.
Common Symbols and Meanings
We can observe some common symbols in our daily life and all these symbols indicate some of the other facts and properties of certain things or objects. Some of the most common symbols in our daily existence are given below, along with their meanings.
|
Name |
Symbols |
Meaning and application |
|
Arrows |
|
Used for indicating directions such as up, down, right, left, north, south, etc., |
|
Tech symbols: Wifi, bluetooth, battery, disk, etc |
|
To denote the status of options in electronic devices such as mobiles and laptops |
|
Cloud, rain, snow and sun |
|
To represent weather conditions for easy understanding |
|
Traffic symbols |
|
Used to communicate various actions such as stop, proceed, slow, turns and so on. |
|
Statistics symbols |
|
To indicate the growth, decay or other interpretations |
Apart from these symbols, we can also see communication symbols, alert (or attention) symbols, business related symbols, ideas, insights, informative symbols, creativity symbols, symbols related to status and planning of a task (for example to do list, checklist and so on), safety and security symbols, target or goals symbols, etc.,
Symbol Meaning in Maths
Symbols are essential tools of maths as many things are represented using symbols. Even the basic arithmetic operations also include symbols such as plus (+), minus (-), multiplication (*) and so on. It is not possible to do anything in maths without symbols. There are a lot of symbols that we use while dealing with mathematics at each and every grade.
Click here for the list of math symbols
As we know, symbols are very important in maths and make maths interesting and easy. Some of the most commonly used symbols in maths are listed below.
|
Symbol |
Symbol Name |
Meaning or Definition |
Example |
|
≠ |
not equal sign |
inequality |
12 ≠ 15 |
|
= |
equals sign |
equality |
6 = 4 + 2 |
|
< |
strict inequality |
less than |
4 < 6 |
|
> |
strict inequality |
greater than |
13 > 11 |
|
≤ |
inequality |
less than or equal to |
x ≤ y, means, y = x or y > x, but not vice-versa. |
|
≥ |
inequality |
greater than or equal to |
a ≥ b, means, a = b or a > b, but vice-versa does not hold true. |
| [ ] |
brackets |
calculate expression inside first |
[ 3 × 2] + 11 = 17 |
|
( ) |
parentheses |
calculate expression inside first |
4 × (3 + 7) = 40 |
|
− |
minus sign |
subtraction |
25 − 20 = 5 |
|
+ |
plus sign |
addition |
2 + 7 = 9 |
|
∓ |
minus – plus |
both minus and plus operations |
1 ∓ 5 = -4 and 6 |
|
± |
plus – minus |
both plus and minus operations |
6 ± 4 = 10 and 2 |
|
× |
times sign |
multiplication |
4 × 3 = 12 |
|
* |
asterisk |
multiplication |
5 * 2 = 10 |
|
÷ |
division sign / obelus |
division |
18 ÷ 6 = 3 |
|
∙ |
multiplication dot |
multiplication |
3 ∙ 3 = 9 |
|
– |
horizontal line |
division / fraction |
\(\begin{array}{l}\frac{12}{2}=6\end{array} \)
|
|
/ |
division slash |
division |
6 ⁄ 2 = 3 |
|
mod |
modulo |
remainder calculation |
7 mod 3 = 1 |
|
ab |
power |
exponent |
24 = 16 |
|
. |
period |
decimal point, decimal separator |
4.36 = 4 +36/100 |
|
√a |
square root |
√a · √a = a |
√4 = ±2 |
|
a^b |
caret |
exponent |
2 ^ 4 = 16 |
|
4√a |
fourth root |
4√a ·4√a · 4√a · 4√a = a |
4√16= ± 2 |
|
3√a |
cube root |
3√a ·3√a · 3√a = a |
3√27 = 3 |
|
% |
percent |
1% = 1/100 |
10% × 40 = 4 |
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