Symbols are
a concise
way of giving
lengthy
instructions
related to
numbers and
logic.
Symbols are
a communication
tool. Symbols
are used to
eliminate the
need to write
long, plain
language
instructions to
describe
calculations
and other
processes.
For example, a
single symbol
stands for the
entire process
for addition.
The familiar
plus sign
eliminates the
need for a long
written
explanation of
what addition
means and how
to accomplish
it.
The same
symbols are
used worldwide
. . .
The symbols
used in
mathematics are
universal.
The same math
symbols are
used throughout
the civilized
world. In most
cases each
symbol gives
the same clear,
precise meaning
to every
reader,
regardless of
the language
they speak.
The most
valuable,
most
frequently used
Symbols in
mathematics . .
.
The most
important, most
frequently used
Grouping
symbols are
listed
below.
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Angle
Brackets
(also
called
"chevrons"
or
"diamond
brackets")
-
The Angle
Bracket symbols
and the
Less-Than/Greater-Than
inequality
symbols have a
similar
appearance.
A side by side
comparison is
shown
below:
Angle
Brackets
Less
Than/Greater
Than
Inequality
Symbols
Angle
Brackets
(also called
"chevrons")
are
not generally
used as
grouping
symbols
(bare
delimiters)
in
mathematics
.
They could
be . . . but,
normally they
are only used
for very
narrow,
specialized
purposes. These
include
grouping
symbols for
commands in
html,
delimiters
identifying a
complete e-mail
address,
symbols used to
enclose text,
specialized
uses in quantum
mechanics,
etc.
Less
Than/Greater
Than inequality
symbols are
often used to
represent angle
brackets.