Mathematical Symbols

Symbols save time and space when writing. Here are the most common mathematical symbols:

Symbol Meaning Example
+ add 3+7 = 10
subtract 5−2 = 3
× multiply 4×3 = 12
÷ divide 20÷5 = 4
/ divide 20/5 = 4
( ) grouping symbols 2(a−3)
[ ] grouping symbols 2[ a−3(b+c) ]
{ } set symbols {1, 2, 3}
π pi A = πr2
infinity ∞ is endless
= equals 1+1 = 2
approximately equal to π ≈ 3.14
not equal to π 2
< less than 2 < 3
less than or equal to x ≤ 5
> greater than 5 > 1
greater than or equal to y ≥ 10
square root ("radical") √4 = 2
° degrees 20°
therefore x − 2 = 5 x = 7