What is Symbol: Definition and 377 Discussions

A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, or relationship. Symbols allow people to go beyond what is known or seen by creating linkages between otherwise very different concepts and experiences. All communication (and data processing) is achieved through the use of symbols. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures, ideas, or visual images and are used to convey other ideas and beliefs. For example, a red octagon is a common symbol for "STOP"; on maps, blue lines often represent rivers; and a red rose often symbolizes love and compassion. Numerals are symbols for numbers; letters of an alphabet may be symbols for certain phonemes; and personal names are symbols representing individuals. The variable 'x', in a mathematical equation, may symbolize the position of a particle in space.
The academic study of symbols is semiotics. In cartography, an organized collection of symbols forms a legend for a map.

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  1. R

    Covariant derivative of the Christoffel symbol

    Homework Statement Is the covariant derivative of a Christoffel symbol equal to zero? It seems like it would be since it is composed of nothing but metrics, and the covariant derivative of any metric is zero, right?
  2. R

    Christoffel symbol manipulation

    Homework Statement If the basic equation for the Christoffel symbol is \Gamma^l_{ki} = \frac{1}{2} g^{lj} (\partial_k g_{ij} + \partial_i g_{jk} - \partial_j g_{ki}) so if you bring multiply the first metric into that equation, won't that turn the first two derivatives into derivatives...
  3. R

    What does this tensor symbol mean?

    In a paper, the authors write: From what I know of the standard incompressible equations, it seems that \rho \textbf{u} \otimes \textbf{u} = \rho (\textbf{u} \cdot \nabla)\textbf{u}, but otherwise, I have no idea what the \otimes symbol means.
  4. I

    Infinity symbol inside of an absolute value Tattoo

    I've been thinking about getting a tattoo. I was considering getting the infinity symbol inside of an absolute value. Or the absolute value of infinity. Whichever you prefer. How mathematically correct is that? The absolute value of infinity simplified is infinity is it not? Will I completely...
  5. S

    What Does the Symbol in the Heat Equation Represent?

    what does the symbol before the first "u" on the left side of the equation mean? It is found on this wiki page under the section "derivation in one dimension" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_equation the wiki page kind of just skipped a step, and didnt explain what the symbol...
  6. M

    Symbol for wavenumber in Word

    Hi Does anyone know how to get the symbol for wavenumber, nu bar, in Word? Also if anyone has any tips on how to draw a triple bond quickly in Word. I'm happy to use the equal sign for a double bond thanks
  7. M

    What is the Meaning of the Symbol that Resembles a Stretched-out S?

    The one that looks kind of like a stretched-out S?
  8. L

    Unknown Symbol in Molecular Term Symbols

    Hello, I am interested in the electronic states of the N2 molecule. Now it is a homonuclear diatomic molecule and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_term_symbol" ) but I do not understand what the Latin letters before the molecular term symbols mean. Here are some of the states X^{1}...
  9. W

    What is the meaning of this circuit symbol?

    What is the meaning of the topleft most symbol in this Cockroft-Walton schematic? http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F85/ISAS/FL77XCRN/F85ISASFL77XCRN.MEDIUM.jpg It's the box with the zig zag line through it. I noticed that he is using boxes to denote resistors, but the zig zag line...
  10. M

    Webpage title: What is the meaning of the symbol ≡ in mathematics?

    What does the symbol ≡ mean? For example: max_{x}[F(x,\alpha):g(x)\leq b,x\geq 0] \equiv G(\alpha,b) Thanks for your help. M
  11. DryRun

    What Does This Diode Symbol Represent?

    Homework Statement I have looked in all my textbooks but i can't find anything about this diode or what it does? Here is the symbol of that diode (from a City & Guilds past exam paper): http://img5.immage.de/2204diode.jpg Homework Equations It's just an unknown diode symbol to me, and there...
  12. K

    What is the Proof for the Jacobi Symbol Property (ii)?

    This is a theorem about Jacobi symbols in my textbook: Let n and m be ODD and positive. Then (a/nm)=(a/n)(a/m) and (ab/n)=(a/n)(b/n) Moreover, (i) If gcd(a,n)=1, then (a^2/n) = 1 = (a/n^2) (ii) If gcd(ab,nm)=1, then (ab^2/nm^2)=(a/n) ===================================== (i) is easy and...
  13. F

    Term Symbol for Carbon He2s^22p^2

    Term Symbol for Carbon Total Angular Momentum 1. Write the term symnbols for carbon atom He2s22p2 which has two equivalent p electrons taking into account the Pauli exclusion principle. 2... 3. Since the carbon has two equivalent p-electrons, we know the l1=1 and that l2=1 as well. Also the...
  14. K

    Computing the Legendre Symbol (2/p) for Odd Primes: A Proof and Explanation

    "Let p be an odd prime, then we proved that the Legendre symbol Note that this can be easily computed if p is reduced modulo 8. For example, if p=59, then p≡3 (mod 8) and (-1)^{(p^2-1)/8} = (-1)^{(3^2-1)/8}" (quote from my textbook) ==================================== Now I don't...
  15. W

    Trying to understand Levi-Civita Symbol and notation

    Hello, I am having a little difficulty understanding what exactly the Levi-Civita symbol is about. In the past I believed that it was equal to 1, -1 and 0, depending on the number of permutations of i,j,k. I had just accepted that to be the extent of it. However, now I am seeing things...
  16. L

    Srednicki 2.17. How does metric act on Levi Cevita symbol?

    Sorry to be asking again so soon, the help yesterday was great. I'm now trying to reach 2.17 from the generator commutation relation: [M^{\mu\nu}, M^{\rho\sigma}]=i\hbar(g^{\mu\rho}M^{\nu\sigma}-g^{\nu\rho}M^{\mu\sigma})+... 2.16 J is defined by its components as...
  17. T

    Levi-Civita symbol and Kronecker delta

    Hello everyone, I am stuck when I study Levi-Civita symbol. The question is how to prove \varepsilon_{ijk}\varepsilon_{lmn} = \det \begin{bmatrix} \delta_{il} & \delta_{im}& \delta_{in}\\ \delta_{jl} & \delta_{jm}& \delta_{jn}\\ \delta_{kl} & \delta_{km}& \delta_{kn}\\ \end{bmatrix}...
  18. mnb96

    Expression with levi-civita symbol

    Hello, during a calculation I got the following term: \varepsilon^{i_1 \ldots i_n}\varepsilon_{j_1 \ldots j_n} (a_{i_1}^{j_1}\ldots a_{i_n}^{j_n}) where \varepsilon is the levi-civita symbol and a_i^j are real numbers. Is it possible to simplify that expression?
  19. N

    Mathematical Symbol for 'And': Explained and Demonstrated

    what is the mathematical symbol for and
  20. xunxine

    What is the correct circuit symbol for a thermistor?

    I came across a few variations of the circuit symbol for thermistor. I've attached one below. I'm more used to the version with horizontal line at bottom left and rise to the top right. Is there any fixed or correct version? Or are all equally correct? i.e. the orientation of the line doesn't...
  21. tony873004

    Understanding the Kronecker Delta Symbol: A_j Explained

    \begin{array}{l} \delta _{jk} A_k \\ \\ \delta _{jk} A_k = \left( {\delta _{1,1} + \delta _{1,2} + \delta _{1,3} + \delta _{2,1} + \delta _{2,2} + \delta _{2,3} + \delta _{3,1} + \delta _{3,2} + \delta _{3,3} } \right)A_k \\ \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\, = \left( {1 + 0 + 0 +...
  22. D

    What Does the "\oplus" Symbol Represent?

    "O Plus" symbol I keep running across this symbol in a introduction to quantum computing text and I can't figure out what it stands for. If anyone could help me out I would appreciate it. The symbol is \oplus .
  23. W

    I don't understand a symbol used in this question

    Homework Statement I have to derive the equation: I=\frac{m(g-R\alpha)R}{|\alpha_{friction}|+\alpha} The Attempt at a Solution What is |\alpha_{friction}| and how do i find it? And why do I use the absolute value of it? The experiment was that we had to measure the angular velocity of a...
  24. J

    What does the symbol ‹[·]› mean in signal and communication systems?

    Hello there! I am in a class of signal and communication systems and found this symbol: ‹[·]› But I can't figure what it means, teacher told us to research it. Been reading books like crazy and can't find anything. Hope you can help me. I put a picture of how he used it, if that helps you.
  25. L

    Components of Christoffel symbol

    The metric of Euclidean \mathbb{R}^3 in spherical coordinates is ds^2=dr^2+r^2(d \theta^2 + \sin^2{\theta} d \phi^2). I am asked to calculate the Christoffel components \Gamma^{\sigma}{}_{\mu \nu} in this coordinate system. i'm not too sure how to go about this. it talks about ds^2 being...
  26. A

    Fortran Fortran locate symbol in data file

    I need to look for the presence of '////' in my data file i could read it as character since i need to eliminate them from the file, I've tried to avoid them using if(xx .eq. '////') then but is not working the error comes as if(mt.ne. '////')then...
  27. O

    Interval of Integration Symbol

    Latex Question: I am having a hell of a time finding how to put the large vertical bar used to denote the interval over which a definite integral should be evaluated. Can you please help me?
  28. S

    What Is the Greek Symbol Used for Differentiation in Multivariable Calculus?

    Hello all, unfortunately I'm seeking help because I can't remember the name of a greek symbol from multivariable/vector calculus. \delta i think this is the correct one. it looks like a d with the tail cut off, and is used for denoting a specific differentiation of a variable amongst...
  29. C

    \mathring{} symbol in Mathtype

    For various reasons, I have to rewrite part of my thesis in MS Word and Mathtype, after I wrote it in LaTeX. I used some notation in LaTeX from the amsmath package, which I'm finding very hard to reproduce satisfactorily in Mathtype. Take a look at the attached image. On the left there is...
  30. M

    Is the Hollow I Symbol the Identity Matrix?

    Homework Statement http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6421/57065635.jpg The Attempt at a Solution I just what to know what the hollow I symbol is? Is it just 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Thank you!
  31. E

    Given properties of nucleus, find its atomic number, mass, and element symbol.

    Homework Statement An unknown nucleus contains 71 neutrons and has twice the volume of the nickel http://www.webassign.net/www32/symImages/f/1/3dca243bf11d1adbce4ca198d1973f.gif nucleus. Identify the unknown nucleus. Homework Equations r = (1.2X10^-15)(A^(1/3)) V= (4/3)(pi)(r)^3...
  32. L

    LaTeX Symbol creation in LaTeX (Question)

    Hi, Does anyone know how to create the following symbol (in LaTeX): An exclamation mark directly above an equal sign. Thanks!
  33. R

    Krockner delta is an invariant symbol

    A representation of SU(2) is "pseudo-real". Can one form the product \phi^{\dagger i}\rho_{i} , where \phi_i and \rho_i transform in the fundamental representation? If a representation is complex, Krockner delta is an invariant symbol, so you can form such a product. SU(2) is not...
  34. pellman

    What does the \ symbol mean, please?

    ... as in \bold{R}^2\\{\bold{0}\} Used in context here http://books.google.com/books?id=4Y-ownk6ilsC&pg=PA70&lpg=PA70&dq=abraham+marsden+foundation+of+mechanics&source=bl&ots=KGabbhy6XM&sig=MNvhtxISRyHdHGC3waYvSZtd-qg&hl=en&ei=zOnKSfraKp_inQeShsjnCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result top...
  35. K

    What is Hydrochloric Acid+marble chips symbol equation

    need help fast as coursework needed to handed by this monday
  36. Z

    Why is the symbol for angular momentum L?

    Why is the symbol for angular momentum "L?" So far, the best explanation I've come across is: This comes from the "right hand rule" of vector cross products. The vector for the radius, r-> and the vector for the translational momentum p-> when made into a cross product : r-> x p-> = L->...
  37. H

    What Are Wyckoff Symbols and How Are They Used in Identifying Atomic Positions?

    Hello, can anybody tell me what is Wyckoff symbols? And what is the use of them? Please use a concrete example. Thanks
  38. E

    Derivation of the Christoffel symbol

    How can I derive the Christoffel symbol from the vanishing of the covariant derivative of the metric tensor? can somebody write the calculation, I read that I have to do some permutation and resumming but I don't get the result! Thank you!
  39. R

    What this mathematical symbol means?

    It is like equal sign with ^ on top.
  40. S

    Can you determine the relationship between 20+/4+ and 5+?

    Homework Statement This problem asks you to compare two values and say whether one is greater, they are the same, or the problem does not give you enough information to answer the question. In this question they give you a symbol, in this case "+" and then define what it does to a number...
  41. K

    Is the symbol dx equivalent to Δx in these situations?

    I have seen the symbol dx in differential equations, but recently I saw it appear in various other equations that I previously thought included Δx instead of dx. Are those two symbols the same? I mean, is Δx = dx = xfinal - xinitial ? This may be the wrong thread, but I am still a...
  42. F

    What does this order symbol mean?

    As I can't seem to find a way to post an attachment, here's a link to a page with the symbol. http://musr.phas.ubc.ca/symbols/ It is next to the text calO One can see it in a context at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-parity under the paragraph Proton Decay.
  43. O

    Christofle symbol and determinant of metric tensor

    Hi, every one I'm newbie here. I have a few problem with my study about GR. Here's a problem \partial_a(g^{ad})g_{cd}-\partial_d(g^{ad})g_{ac}=\\0 Could I prove these relation by change index (in 1st term ) from a -> d and also d -> a? and let's defined {g}=det{\\g_{ab}\\}...
  44. F

    What does this symbol mean (partial derivatives)

    Question : g(x,y) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 5xy - 7y^2 Verify that ∇g(0,0) = 0 I looked on wiki and it said the vector of partial derivatives, so my g(x,y) would become ∇g = (3x^2 - 6x + 5y, 5x -14y) so what do i do from here? i don't see what its asking, do i plug x and y as 0 and show I get...
  45. T

    Understanding the Symbol <x,y> and Its Meaning in Equations

    x=a1,b1,c1 y=a2,b2,c2 <x,y>+<x,y>= (a1*a2 +b1*b2 +c1*c2) + (a1*a2 +b1*b2 +c1*c2)=2*(a1*a2 +b1*b2 +c1*c2) i have <x,y> + <x,y> it written that it equals 2Re<x,y> what 2Re<x,y> means ??
  46. I

    Symbol of an op-amp is triangle only.why?

    help me here...symbol of an op-amp is triangular in shape...i need reason for this...why it is so...or where i can find regarding this.. similar que for transistor also...
  47. T

    LaTeX Latex: Congruent Symbol with Slash

    How do you do this symbol in latex (a congruent sign with a slash through it)?
  48. B

    Rho Symbol for Density: Using in Google Docs

    My physics teacher is using some sort of squiggly symbol that he's calling rho for density. It looks sort of like a backwards g. What is this symbol? How can I include it in my Google Docs reports/notes?
  49. B

    LaTeX Latex: How to Create a Wide Check Symbol

    How do I do a wide check symbol in latex? A wide hat or wide tilde is easy, it is simply \widehat{long expression} or \widetilde{longexpression} There is no command for wide check, i.e an upside down hat.
  50. D

    Permutation symbol - indicial notation

    1. The problem statement and attempt at solution Hey, I'm still trying to get my head around indicial notation. I'm finding it quite hard.. I think this is somewhat right, but I don't know if the answer is clear enough.. Any hints/comments are greatly appretiated! Thank you
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