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
Relation
symbols are
listed
below.
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Ratio
(Division)
Example 1:
,
Variables
A and B
change in
direct
proportion
to each
other.
Variable
"A"
is
proportional
to
Variable
"B"
is
equivalent
to
Because
this is a
ratio, the
quotient of A
divided by B is
a constant
value
regardless of
what the actual
values of A and
B are:

Example 2:
, It
takes two
cups of
berries to
bake one
berry
pie.
(It takes
four cups of
berries to bake
two berry
pies.
It takes
six cups of
berries to bake
three berry
pies.
It takes
eight cups of
berries to bake
four berry
pies.
. . . and,
so on . .
.)
It always
takes two cups
of berries for
every pie.
The
ratio
is two to one,
regardless of
the number of
pies baked.

