Here is a table of some of the most frequently used math symbols. This is a list on Salty Vixen Stories & More education section of the most common symbols used in mathematics.
| Symbol | What It Represents |
| + | Adding sign: Often referred to as the plus sign or the addition sign |
| – | Subtracting sign: Often referred to as the minus sign |
| x | Multiplication sign: Often referred to as the times or times table sign |
| ÷ | Division sign: To divide |
| = | Equal sign |
| | | | Absolute value |
| ≠ | Not equal to |
| ( ) | Parenthesis |
| [ ] | Square brackets |
| % | Percent sign: Out of 100 |
| ∑ | Big sum sign: Summation |
| √ | Square root sign |
| < | Inequality sign: Less than |
| > | Inequality sign: Greater than |
| ! | Factorial |
| θ | Theta |
| π | Pi |
| ≅ | Approximately |
| ∅ | Empty set |
| ∠ | Angle sign |
| ! | Factorial sign |
| ∴ | Therefore |
| ∞ | Infinity |
Math Symbols in Real Life
You use math symbols more than you realize in all areas of your life. As noted above, the difference between a plus or minus symbol in banking can indicate whether you’re adding a wealth of funds to your bank account or in withdrawing funds. If you’ve ever used a computer accounting spreadsheet, you likely know that the big sum sign (∑) gives you an easy—indeed instant—way to add an endless column of numbers.
“Pi,” which is denoted by the Greek letter π, is used throughout the world of math, science, physics, architecture, and more. Despite the origins of pi in the subject of geometry, this number has applications throughout mathematics and even shows up in the subjects of statistics and probability. And the symbol for infinity (∞) not only is an important math concept, but it also suggests the infinite expanse of the universe (in astronomy) or the infinite possibilities that come from every action or thought (in philosophy).
Tips for Symbols
Although there are more symbols in math that are indicated in this list, these are some of the more common ones. You’ll often need to use HTML code in order for the symbols to show up online, as many fonts do not support the use of mathematical symbols. However, you’ll find most of these on the graphing calculator as well.
As you progress in math, you’ll begin to use these symbols more and more. If you plan to study math, it will be well worth your time—and indeed save you an infinite (∞) amount of this valuable resource—if you keep this table of math symbols handy.
