Relational Symbols

There are various relational symbols in mathematical notation. Click on the links below for an explanation of each point.

this symbol is read as 'equals' or 'is equal to'

e.g

'two plus two equals four'

NB: A statement that contains an equals sign is called an

EQUATION.

this symbol is read as 'identical with'

this symbol is read as 'does not equal' or 'is not equal to'

e.g

'two plus two does not equal five'

both of these symbols are read as

'is approximately equal to'

e.g.

'pi is approximately equal to twenty-two over seven'

this symbol is read as 'greater than'

e.g.

'five is greater than three'

'this symbol is read as 'greater than or equal to'

e.g.

'x is greater than or equal to three'

this symbol is read as 'is less than'

e.g.

'three is less than five'

this symbol is read as 'less than or equal to'

e.g.

'x is less than or equal to three'

NB: Every statement that includes a 'greater than' or 'less than' expression is called an INEQUALITY

(as opposed to an EQUATION)