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Basic Maths symbols With Name, Meaning and Examples

Basic Math Symbols are used to perform mathematical operations. Learn how each math symbol works and where it's used in problems.
authorImageNikita Aggarwal7 Jun, 2025
Basic Maths symbols

Basic Math Symbols act as a universal language in math, helping us perform calculations, describe relationships, and solve problems with clarity and accuracy. When you add marks or distribute chocolates to your friends, math symbols make the task faster and easier. 

That's why knowing these symbols in math and what they represent is essential. This blog provides an overview of the most commonly used math symbols to help you understand the importance of these powerful tools.

Read More - Prime Factorization: Properties, Methods, and Examples

Why Are Math Symbols Important?

Math symbols simplify complex operations and reduce the need for lengthy explanations. Instead of writing "add three seven times," we simply write 3 x 7. 

Each symbol represents a specific operation or concept universally applied in all mathematical calculations and communication. 

A thorough knowledge of the meaning and applications of basic math symbol names helps students handle mathematical operations quickly and confidently.

                                        

Basic Math Symbols Chart

Here's a list of some of the math symbols and names that we commonly use. Each math symbol with a name serves a particular purpose and helps express mathematical ideas efficiently.

Basic Math Symbols Chart

Symbol

Math Symbol Name

Meaning and Use

Example

+

Plus

Addition

4 + 3 = 7

-

Minus

Subtraction

9 - 2 = 7

× or *

Multiplication

Multiply

8 × 5 = 40

÷ or /

Division

Divide

12 ÷ 3 = 4

=

Equals

Equality

6 + 9 = 15

Not equal to

Values are not equal

13 ≠ 15

Greater than

First value is larger

7 > 6

Less than

First value is smaller

4 < 5

Greater than or equal to

At least the same or larger

a ≥ b

Less than or equal to

At most the same or smaller

p ≤ q

%

Percent

Per hundred

20% of 50 = 10

Square root

Root of a number

√49 = 7

^

Power / Exponent

Raise to a power

2^3 = 8

Sigma / Summation

Sum of values

∑x = x₁ + x₂ + ...

( )

Parentheses

calculate expression inside first

5 × (3+4) = 5 x 7 = 35

[ ]

Brackets

calculate expression inside first

[(6 + 2) × (5 - 1)] = 8 x 4 = 32

Horizontal line

division / fraction

\frac{6}{2}=3

.

Point

Decimal expression

7/2 = 3.5

Proportional to

One’s value change with change in other

x ∝ y when x = ky, (k is constant)

|  |

Absolute value

Shows the absolute or positive value

|6| = 6 and |-6| = 6

Classification of Math Symbols

To make it easier to learn and remember, we can classify all math symbols and names into following categories: 

Arithmetic Symbols

These are the basic math symbols students frequently encounter while performing mathematical operations. The symbols are:

Algebraic Symbols

These symbols express equations, formulas, and relationships between unknown values. These symbols include:

  • = (equals)

  • ≠ (not equals)

  • <, >, ≤, ≥ (inequalities)

  • x, y, z (variables)

  • ^ (exponential)

  • f(x) (function of x)

Geometric Symbols

These symbols help describe shapes, angles, and relationships. The geometry symbols in math are as follows:

  • ∠ (angle)

  • ° (degree)

  • △ (triangle)

  • ⊥ (perpendicular)

  • ∥ (parallel)

  • ≅ (congruence)

Set Theory Symbols

These math symbols are specifically used in set theory-related communication to describe groups of numbers or elements:

  • {  } (collection of elements)

  • ∈ (belongs to)

  • ∉ (does not belong to)

  • ⊂ (subset)

  • ∪ (union)

  • ∩ (intersection)

Read More - 30 Fun Maths Questions with Answers

Math Symbols Solved Examples

The following examples show how different math symbols are used for problem solving in maths.

1. Add 3 times 18 and 5 times 12.

Solution:

3 times 18 = 3 x 18 = 54

5 times 12 = 5 x 12 = 60

Now, to add 54 and 60, we can write 54 + 60 = 114

So, the result is 114.

2. If a class has 9 girl students out of a total of 36 students, what is the percentage of girl students.

Solution:

Ans. The ratio of girl students to the total number of students is 9/36 = ¼

So, the percentage of girl students is = ¼ x 100 = 25% 

3. Find the perimeter of a circle with a radius of 14 cm.

Solution:

The formula for the perimeter of a circle is 2πr, where π is a constant and equals 22/7, and r is the circle's radius.

So, the perimeter of the given circle is:

(2 x 22/7 x 14) cm

= 88 cm

4. If f(x) = 4x + 14, find the value of f (9)

Solution:

Putting the value of x = 9 in the given equation, we get:

f (9) = 4 x 9 + 13 = 36 +14 = 50. 

5. Find the side of the square with an area of 64 square cm. 

Solution:

The side of a square is the square root of its area.

So, the side of the given square is square root of 64.

Now, √64 = 8

So, the side of the square equals 8 cm.

This article clearly explains different math symbols that you can use effectively to express relations, solve problems, and communicate concepts. From basic arithmetic to advanced algebra and geometry, familiarizing the kids with symbols in math and their meanings is a great way to improve mathematical skills. 

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Basic Maths symbols FAQs

Q1 When is the decimal point symbol used?

Ans The decimal point symbol is used to separate the whole number part and the fraction part of a number.

Q2 Which symbol is used to represent a line?

Ans A line is denoted by a straight line with an arrow directing in two opposite directions. The symbol is ↔.

Q3 What symbol indicates that two shapes are similar but not in size?

Ans The symbol ~ indicates that two shapes are similar but not in size. For example, for two equilateral triangles △ABC and △XYZ, we can write △ABC ~ △XYZ.

Q4 What does the symbol f(x) represent in maths?

Ans The symbol f(x) represents an algebraic expression involving the variable x and indicates that the value of f(x) is dependent on the value of x. For example, f(x) = 2x + 9 is an algebraic expression with variable x. The value of f(x)changes according to the value of x.
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