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Mathematical Symbols: Good Problems: March 25, 2008

The document provides definitions and examples of common mathematical symbols: - It defines symbols such as =, ≈, ⇒, ⇔, (, ), [, ], {, }, ∈, ∉, ∪, ∩, ⊂, ∀, ∃, ∃!, ∘, !, ⌊⌋, ⌈⌌, O(), o(), →. - Examples are given to explain the meaning and proper usage of each symbol, such as a = b means a equals b, while a ≈ b means a is approximately equal to b. - Common mistakes involving the = symbol are discussed, such as using =

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70 views2 pages

Mathematical Symbols: Good Problems: March 25, 2008

The document provides definitions and examples of common mathematical symbols: - It defines symbols such as =, ≈, ⇒, ⇔, (, ), [, ], {, }, ∈, ∉, ∪, ∩, ⊂, ∀, ∃, ∃!, ∘, !, ⌊⌋, ⌈⌌, O(), o(), →. - Examples are given to explain the meaning and proper usage of each symbol, such as a = b means a equals b, while a ≈ b means a is approximately equal to b. - Common mistakes involving the = symbol are discussed, such as using =

Uploaded by

John Ting
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mathematical Symbols

Good Problems: March 25, 2008

You will encounter many mathematical symbols during your math courses. The table below provides you with a list of the more common symbols, how to read them, and notes on their meaning and usage. The following page has a series of examples of these symbols in use. Symbol a=b a b or a =b P Q P Q P Q or P i Q (a, b) (a, b) [a, b] (a, b] How to read it a equals b a is approximately equal to b P implies Q P is implied by Q P is equivalent to Q or P if and only if Q the point a b the open interval from a to b the closed interval from a to b The (half-open) interval from a to b excluding a, and including b. the real numbers the complex numbers the integers the natural numbers a is an element of B a is not an element of B A union B A intersection B A is a subset of B or A is contained in B for all x there exists there exists a unique f composed with g or f of g n factorial the oor of x the ceiling of x f is big oh of g f is little oh of g x goes to a from the right Notes on meaning and usage a and b have exactly the same value. Do not write = when you mean . If P is true, then Q is also true. If Q is true, then P is also true. P and Q imply each other. A coordinate in R2 . The values between a and b, but not including the endpoints. The values between a and b, including the endpoints. The values between a and b, excluding a, and including b. Similar for [a, b). It can also be used for the plane as R2 , and in higher dimensions. {a + bi : a, b R}, where i2 = 1. . . . ,2,1,0,1,2,3, . . . . 1, 2, 3, 4, . . .. The variable a lies in the set (of values) B . The set of all points that fall in A or B . The set of all points that fall in both A and B . Any element of A is also an element of B . Something is true for all (any) value of x (usually with a side condition like x > 0). Used in proofs and denitions as a shorthand. Used in proofs and denitions as a shorthand. Denotes f (g ()). n! = n(n 1)(n 2) 2 1. The nearest integer x. The nearest integer x. limx supy>x |f (y )/g (y )| < . Sometimes the limit is toward 0 or another point. limx supy>x |f (y )/g (y )| = 0. x is approaching a, but x is always greater than a. Similar for x a .

R or R C or C Z or Z N or N aB a /B AB AB AB x ! f g n! x x f = O(g ) or f = O(g ) f = o(g ) x a+

Mathematical Symbols, page 2.

Good Problems: March 25, 2008

The Trouble with =


The most commonly used, and most commonly misused, symbol is =. The = symbol means that the things on either side are actually the same, just written a dierent way. The common misuse of = is to mean do something. For example, when asked to compute (3 + 5)/2, some people will write: Bad: 3 + 5 = 8/2 = 4. This claims that 3 + 5 = 4, which is false. We can x this by carrying the /2 along, as in (3 + 5)/2 = 8/2 = 4. We could instead use the symbol, meaning implies, and turn it into a logical statement: Good: 3 + 5 = 8 (3 + 5)/2 = 4.

To Symbol or not to Symbol?


Bad: limxx0 f (x) = L means that > 0, > 0 s.t. x, 0 < |x x0 | < |f (x) L| < .

Although this statement is correct mathematically, it is dicult to read (unless you are well-versed in math-speak). This example shows that although you can write math in all symbols as a shortcut, often it is clearer to use words. A compromise is often preferred. Good: The Formal Denition of Limit: Let f (x) be dened on an open interval about x0 , except possibly at x0 itself. We say that f (x) approaches the limit L as x approaches x0 , and we write
xx0

lim f (x) = L

if for every number > 0, there exists a corresponding number > 0 such that for all x we have 0 < |x x0 | < = |f (x) L| < .

Other Examples
The symbol should be used even when doing simple algebra. Good: (y 0) = 2(x 1) = y = 2x 2 You will be more comfortable with symbols, and better able to use them, if you connect them with their spoken form and their meaning. Good: The mathematical notation (f g )(x) is read f composed with g at the point x or f of g of x and means f (g (x)).

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