Download Mathematical Symbols and Order of Operations and more Study notes Mathematics in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Mathematical Symbols ➢ What mathematical symbols do I need to know? • Starting with the basic four operations: + Addition, plus, sum, total. − Subtraction, minus, difference, take away. × Multiplication, product, times. ÷ Division, quotient, share. • Equals signs: = (Equal to) e.g. 2x + 6 = 15 ≠ (Not equal to) e.g. 4 –7 ≠ 7 −4 ≃ (Approximately equal to) e.g. e ≃ 2.72 ≡ (Identical to) e.g. 14x + 8 ≡ 2(7x + 4) • Inequality signs: > (Greater than) e.g. 6 > −4 < (Less than) e.g. −3 < 6 ≥ (Greater than or equal to) e.g. x ≥ 3 ≤ (Less than or equal to) e.g. x ≤ 4 • Other helpful symbols: o ( ) Brackets: used to group symbols. For example: (3x + 7) − 2(x + 9) o 2x Powers (also called indices, order or exponents): repeated multiplication of the base number. 2 For example: 23 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 o √ Square root: opposite of squaring. For example: 72 = 49 ⇔ √49 = 7 o ± Plus Minus: Used to allow for two distinct answers, often in quadratics “a ± b” is shorthand for “a + b” and “a – b” For example: x = 4 ± 2 leading to x = 6 and x = 2 o π Pi: the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Order of Operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS) ➢ What is the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS)? If there are multiple operations then they must be done in the following order: • Brackets ( ): Perform the calculation(s) inside any brackets first. • Indices or Order (˄, 2, 3, √, etc.): These include powers, roots and reciprocals. • Divisions or Multiplications (× or ÷): If there are more than one of these then work them out left to right. • Additions or Subtractions (+ or -): If there are more than one of these then work them out left to right. The acronyms BIDMAS and BODMAS can help you remember. ➢ What do I do if the calculation involves fractions, powers or roots? • For fractions there are invisible brackets around the numerator and around the denominator. o 4+5 3+8 means (4+5)÷ (3+8) o Instead of using brackets we extend the fraction line to show exactly what is on the top and what is on the bottom. • For powers there are invisible brackets around the power. o 32+1 means 3^(2+1)
