Mathematical Formulas for Industrial and Mechanical Engineering

1.2 Basic Algebra Symbols

Symbols How to Read It How to Use It Examples

Xxvariable unknown value to find when 2x 5 4, then x 5 2

 equivalence identical to

9 equal by definition equal by definition

: 5 definition cosh x: 5 (1/2)(exp x 1

exp(2 x))

 approximately equal approximation π 3.14159

B approximately equal weak approximation 11B10

~ proportional is proportional to if y 5 5x, then y~x

N lemniscates infinity symbol

{ is much less than is much less than 3{1000

c is much greater than is much greater than 95c0.2

bxc floor brackets rounds number to

lower integer

b4.3c5 4

dxe ceiling brackets rounds number to

upper integer

d4.3e5 5

x! exclamation mark factorial ...