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                                          Mathematical Symbols

Symbol

What it is

How it is read

How it is used

Sample expression

+


Addition sign
Logical OR symbol


... plus ...
... or ...


Sum of a few values
Logical disjunction

3 + 5 = 8
¬(A + B) = ¬A * ¬B



Approximate
equal sign

... is approximately equal to ...

Indicates two values are
close to each other

x + y z



Universal quantifier

For all ...
For every ...


Logical statements

x : x < 0 or x > -1


, Q


Enhanced or bold Q

The set of rational numbers

Number theory
Set theory

= {a/b | a and b are in }



logical implication
symbol


... implies ...
If ... then ...


Logical statements

A B



Three dots

... therefore ...
... it follows that ...


Logical statements or
mathematical proofs


x = y and y = z
x = z


|  |


absolute value sign


The absolute value of ...


Distance of value from
origin in number line,
plane, or space


| -3 | = 3


>


Inequality sign


... is greater than ...


Indicates value on left
is larger than
value on right


5 > 3
x > y


<


Inequality sign


... is less than ...


3 < 5
x < y