Algebraic relationship symbols show how numbers or terms of an equation relate to each other. The relationship symbols show if one value is larger, smaller, equal, or approximately equal to another value. These algebra symbols are straightforward — when you know what the symbols mean, algebra problems are much less intimidating.
Equal (=) symbol: This symbol means that the first value is equal to, or the same as, the value that follows. For example:
Not Equal (≠) symbol: This symbol means that the first value is not equal to the value that follows. For example:
Approximately Equal (≈) symbol: This symbol means that one value is approximately the same, or about the same, as the value that follows; this is used when rounding numbers. For example:
Less than or Equal to (≤) symbol: This symbol means that the value preceding the symbol is less than or equal to the value that follows. For example:
Less than (<) symbol: This symbol means that the value preceding the symbol is less than the value that follows. For example:
Greater than or Equal to (≥) symbol: This symbol means that the first value is greater than or equal to the value that follows. For example:
Greater than (>) symbol: This symbol means that the first value is greater than the value that follows. For example:
