Engaging Maths Symbols & their Meaning
by Mashum Mollah Job & Career Published on: 21 September 2016 Last Updated on: 12 May 2025
Many people find it difficult to grasp the exact meaning of notation to solve a mathematical equation. Byju’s brings you the list of mathematical symbols along with their meaning for your reference.
Did you know that ciphers were the first math symbols to be used and introduced before the written language came into existence?
Math is known to be important for understanding the science behind natural phenomena. It is also considered to be the most complicated subject for many students all over the world. Also, a variety of symbols are applied in equations that add a cherry on the complex cake. Therefore, it is necessary for you to have a reference list of the conventions so that you don’t make any mistake.
Byju’s puts forth a consolidated list of all the symbols that are used in different branches of mathematics. Hence, next time when you try to solve any Math problem, you will know what a particular notation means.
Basic Symbols:
| Symbol | Notation | Description |
| + | Plus | Addition of numbers |
| – | Minus | Subtraction of numbers |
| X | Multiplication | Multiplication of numbers |
| [latex]\div[/latex] | Division | Division of numbers |
| = | Equals | Two sides are equal |
| [latex]\neq[/latex] | Not equal to | Two sides are not equal |
| < | Less than | value is greater than the other |
| > | Greater than | a value is smaller than the other |
| [latex]\leqslant[/latex] | Less than or equal to | Value is less than or equal to the other |
| [latex]\geq[/latex] | Greater than or equal to | Value is greater than or equal to the other |
| [ ] | Brackets | Calculation of the equation inside the equation |
| ( ) | Parenthesis | Simplification of the equation inside the equation |
| [latex]\sqrt{a}[/latex] | Square root | The value that can be multiplied by itself to get the original number |
| [latex]\pm[/latex] | Plus-minus | Value can be both plus and minus |
| mod | modulo | Finding the remainder of the division of two numbers |
| % | Percent | A ratio expressed as a fraction of 100 |
Geometric Symbols:
| Symbol | Notation | Description |
| [latex]\angle[/latex] | Angle | The figure formed by two rays |
| [latex]\measuredangle[/latex] | Measured Angle | An angle whose value is known |
| o | Degree | Measurement of plane angle describing one complete rotation |
| [latex]\sim[/latex] | Similarity | Objects with similar shapes but not the size |
| || | Parallel | Lines equidistant from each other |
| [latex]\cong[/latex] | Congruent | Objects with same geometric shape and size |
| [latex]\perp[/latex] | Perpendicular | Lines which are the right angle to each other |
| [latex]\widehat{AB}[/latex] | Arc | Part of the circumference of a curve or circle |
| [latex]\Delta[/latex] | Triangle | Three vertices with and three line segments |
The probability of Statistics Symbols:
| Symbol | Notation | Description |
| P(A) | Probability Function | The occurrence of event A |
| f(x) | Probability density function | Integral of a function of a continuous random variable |
| P(A [latex]\cap[/latex]B) | Intersection | The probability of occurrence of events A and B |
| P(A U B) | Union | The probability of occurrence of events A or B |
| P(A | B) | Conditional Probability function | The probability of occurrence of event A when B has occurred |
| F(x) | Cumulative distribution function | A random variable X takes a value less than or equal to x |
This is a small part of the vast ocean of mathematical symbols. Explore more math symbols with their uses and meaning at Byju’s. Check out solved examples, detailed explanation of simple & complex topics and conversion calculators such as inches to centimeters & cm to inch converter.
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