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.

Relation Symbols - click description

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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.