Addition
Put amounts together.
5 + 3 = 8Picture it: 5 blocks joined with 3 blocksLearning supports
Math Symbols Guide
Math symbols are instructions. Each symbol tells you to calculate, compare, group, or describe something.
Helpful habit:Before solving a problem, point to each symbol and say what it means.
Download Printable PDFWhy should I care?
Symbols Are the Language of Math
Understanding the symbols helps you know what a problem is asking before you begin calculating.
Symbol group 1
Operations
These symbols tell you which calculation to perform.
Subtraction
Find the difference or take away.
9 − 4 = 5Picture it: Start with 9 and remove 4Multiplication Dot
Multiply two values.
6 · 3 = 18Picture it: 6 groups of 3Division
Split into equal groups.
12 ÷ 3 = 4Picture it: 12 shared into 3 equal groupsFraction Bar
Divide the top by the bottom.
3/4 means 3 ÷ 4Picture it: Numerator above; denominator belowPercent
A part out of 100.
25% = 25/100Picture it: 25 squares shaded out of 100Symbol group 2
Equality and Comparison
These symbols compare two values.
Equal
Both sides have the same value.
4 + 2 = 6Picture it: A balanced scaleNot Equal
The values are different.
5 ≠ 8Picture it: Two different amountsLess Than
The value on the left is smaller.
3 < 7Picture it: The small point faces 3Greater Than
The value on the left is larger.
9 > 2Picture it: The open side faces 9Less Than or Equal To
Smaller than, or exactly equal to.
x ≤ 6Picture it: 6 is includedGreater Than or Equal To
Larger than, or exactly equal to.
x ≥ 4Picture it: 4 is includedApproximately Equal
Very close, but not exact.
π ≈ 3.14Picture it: A rounded valueSymbol group 3
Grouping and Algebra
These symbols organize expressions and represent unknown values.
Parentheses
Group a part that belongs together.
3(4 + 2)Picture it: Complete 4 + 2 firstBrackets
Group expressions that already contain parentheses.
2[5 + (3 − 1)]Picture it: Work from the inside outVariable
A letter that represents a number.
x + 4 = 10Picture it: Here, x = 6Implied Multiplication
A number beside a variable means multiply.
4x means 4 · xPicture it: No multiplication sign is neededAbsolute Value
The distance a number is from zero.
|−5| = 5Picture it: −5 is 5 spaces from zeroSymbol group 4
Powers, Roots, and Special Symbols
These symbols appear frequently in Algebra and geometry.
Squared
Multiply a value by itself.
5² = 5 · 5 = 25Picture it: The small 2 is an exponentCubed
Use the value as a factor three times.
2³ = 2 · 2 · 2 = 8Picture it: The small 3 is an exponentSquare Root
Find the number that was multiplied by itself.
√49 = 7Picture it: 7 · 7 = 49Pi
A number used with circles. It is about 3.14.
π ≈ 3.14Picture it: Used for circle area and distance aroundPlus or Minus
There are two possible values: one positive and one negative.
x = ±4 means x = 4 or −4Picture it: Two possible answersLook carefully
Symbols That Are Easy to Confuse
Small visual differences can completely change the meaning.
−5versus8 − 5
Negative Sign or Subtraction?
In −5, the sign describes the number. In 8 − 5, it tells you to subtract.
xversus×
Variable or Multiplication?
A letter x can represent a number. Use a dot or parentheses for multiplication when an x-variable is nearby.
3.5versus3 · 5
Decimal Point or Multiplication Dot?
A decimal point sits low. A multiplication dot is centered between the numbers.
<versus>
Less Than or Greater Than?
The small point faces the smaller number. The wide opening faces the larger number.
=versus≈
Exact or Approximate?
= means exactly equal. ≈ means close after rounding.
( )and[ ]
Two Types of Grouping
Both symbols group parts together. Work inside the innermost grouping first.
Watch out
Common Mistakes
- Reading the equal sign as “the answer comes next.” It means both sides have the same value.
- Confusing a negative sign with subtraction.
- Missing implied multiplication in an expression such as 5x.
Quick strategy
Read the Math Out Loud
For example, read 3(x + 2) as “three times the quantity x plus two.” Saying the symbols often makes the next step clearer.
Your turn
10-Question Math Symbols Practice
Choose the correct symbol or meaning. Type a number when requested.
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