A graphic sign established by convention to represent a magnitude, a number, an operation, a relationship, a mathematical or logical entity of a given nature.
- Symbols sometimes resemble the objects they symbolize, as does the symbol for the measure of an angle (∠), although this is rarely the case.
- Mathematical symbols are generally written forms that have been established through years or even centuries of use.
Examples
Certain symbols are literal; they are letters that represent or correspond to a value, magnitude or operation; for example :
- letters in units of measure, such as m or cm;
- unknowns, such as the letter x in the equation x + 7 = 12 ;
- given numbers, such as a and b in the relationship a + b = b + a.
Certain symbols are numerical :
- Roman numerals, such as I, V, X, L, C, D, M;
- the ten Arabic numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Certain symbols are grouping symbols :
- braces: { };
- brackets: [ ];
- parentheses: ( ).
Certain symbols are graphics that resemble the concepts they symbolize; for example :
- the symbol for the relationship of perpendicularity, ⊥;
- the symbol for the relationship of parallelism, //;
- the symbol that identifies an angle, ∠;
- the symbol for the relationship of approximate equality, ≈.