What is Symbols: Definition and 292 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. ORF

    What are the "debugging symbols"?

    Hello What are the "debugging symbols" ? I have a naive idea about what the debugging symbols are, but based only in my short experience: for me, they are a kind of flags that can be read during the execution of the program, so you can track the execution. I have also discovered that if you...
  2. Quantum Velocity

    B What do the d and p symbols mean in physics

    Hey guy! I've just started learn physics and i ran into a problem. Can you guy let me know what is d and p mean in this
  3. M

    I How are these symbols pronounced ?

    How are those scary looking symbols pronounced ?
  4. M

    Array is printing out weird symbols

    Homework Statement Compare two strings which represent test scores for a 20 question exam. If the student scores 15 or higher, they pass. Less than that they fail. Indicate whether a student passes or fails. Display how many answers they got right and wrong. Display which number they got wrong...
  5. W

    Levi-Civita connection and Christoffel symbols

    Homework Statement Show that g(d \sigma ^k, \sigma _p \wedge \sigma _q) = \Gamma _{ipq} - \Gamma _{iqp}Homework Equations Given $$\omega_{ij}=\hat e_i \cdot d \hat e _j = \Gamma_{ijk} \sigma^k$$, we can also say that $$d \hat e_j = \omega^i_j \hat e_i$$. Where $$\sigma^k, \sigma_p, \sigma_q$$...
  6. scienceNewbie0023

    What unit symbol is this and what does Gg represent?

    what does "Gg" represent ?
  7. Stella.Physics

    I Christoffel symbols of Schwarzschild metric with Lagrangian

    So the Schwarzschild metric is given by ds2= -(1-2M/r)dt2 + (1-2M/r)-1dr2+r2dθ2+r2sin2θ dφ2 and the Lagragian is ##{\frac{d}{dσ}}[{\frac{1}{L}}{\frac{dx^α}{dσ}}] + {\frac{∂L}{∂x^α}}=0## with L = dτ/dσ. So for each α=0,1,2,3 we have ##{\frac{d^2 x^1}{dτ^2}}=0## for Minkowski spacetime also...
  8. Newtons Apple

    What is the difference between baud rate and bit rate in digital communication?

    Hi everyone, I was reading up on bit rate vs Baud speed, and sort of got myself straight with it, but I have a few questions.. First of all why isn't the term Baud still used? We see devices and speeds quoted at their bits per second speeds, but is this just by convention now, or is baud speed...
  9. t906

    B Where can i find a legend of all of the symbols used in phys

    i can follow the equations but i don't know what the symbols mean for quantum and astro would be best
  10. C

    A Transformation properties of the Christoffel symbols

    If you want to define a covariant derivative which transforms correctly, you need to define it as ##\nabla_i f_j = \partial_i f_j - f_k \Gamma^k_{ij}##, where ##\Gamma^k_{ij}## has the transformation property ##\bar{\Gamma}^k_{ij} = \frac{\partial \bar{x}_k}{\partial x_c}\frac{\partial...
  11. rezkyputra

    Deriving Einstein Eq. from Variational Principle

    Homework Statement Okay, in Carrol's Intro to Spacetime and Geometry, Chapter 4, Eq. 4.63 to 4.65 require a derivation of a difference between Christoffel Symbol. I did the calculation and found my answer to be somewhat correct in form, but the indices doesn't match up Homework Equations So...
  12. G

    I Christoffel symbols transformation law

    In Carroll's GR book (pg. 96), the transformation law for Christoffel symbols is derived from the requirement that the covariant derivative be tensorial. I think I understand that, and the derivation Carroll carries out, up until this step (I have a very simple question here, I believe-...
  13. X

    Confusion about circuit schematic notations

    I'm confused about the terminals in the picture above simply because I've seen the exact same thing mean 2 different things in schematics, namely: (1) it is an open circuit with voltage Vi(t) (2) The terminals are connected to some other circuit and thus have a voltage/current source, and the...
  14. M

    MATLAB Greek symbols on Matlab workspace

    Can we use Greek symbols on Matlab workspace? If so, how can we use them? I have made a search, most of the replies on the net was that Greek symbols cannot be used on workspace. Thank you.
  15. M

    MATLAB Too little appearance of symbols and numbers in matlab

    Hi, When I using Matlab 2008, the symbols and numbers were big enough to see but now I use Matlab 2013 but symbols and numbers or what I write is too little. How can I make them bigger? Thank you.
  16. P

    LaTeX How to make that "E" symbol for Engineering Notation?

    I have failed to Google the answer because I don't even know what to call it. You know that little "E" used in Engineering notation that lacks serifs? How do I make that "E"?
  17. N

    MHB Expressing a statement into algebraic symbols

    Each two numbers whose difference is 25 x = larger number x-25 = smaller number Are my answers correct? Thanks!
  18. H

    B Which Branch of Math Should I Study for a Foundation in Functional Analysis?

    looking at notes on functional analysis for self study. the authors I have stumbled across so far launch straight into the formal theory. I can't find any middle ground of intuitive motivations for the theory as yet. I am assuming the following is part of set theory? I can't follow the arguments...
  19. A

    I Geodesics on a sphere and the Christoffel symbols

    Hi, I recently tried to derive the equations for a geodesic path on a sphere of radius 1 (which are supposed to come out to be a great circle) using the formula \dfrac{d^2 x^a}{dt^2}+\Gamma^a_{bc} \dfrac{dx^b}{dt}\dfrac{dx^c}{dt}=0 for the geodesic equation, with the metric...
  20. S

    Using the right hand rule with symbols

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Right Hand Rule #3 The Attempt at a Solution For #11 I can do b) left f) downward But I don't understand how to do a,c,e because I don't understand how to use RHR 3 with those inward/outward info for V. And I don't understand D because it doesn't...
  21. fresh_42

    LaTeX Finding LaTex Symbols: Does Not Divide & Is Not Congruent to

    I've tried to figure it out but did not find them: Does anybody know how to code the symbols of "does not divide" = "not |" and "is not congruent to" = "not ≡" in LaTex? Thanks for reading.
  22. O

    History of Mathematical Symbols

    Hello I VAGUELY recall reading somewhere (in the history of math), that there were intense and emotional (almost physical) arguments over who would use (claim?) what letter for what purpose in calculus: Δ δ d D ∂ Is this true? Can someone provide a reference? (I could be mistaken.) (My...
  23. Flinze

    Using symbols to find a answer

    Homework Statement A car is 12 m from the bottom of a ramp that is 8.0 m long at its base and 6.0 m high. The car moves from rest toward the ramp with an acceleration of magnitude 2.5 m/s2. At some instant after the car begins moving, a crate is released from rest from some position along the...
  24. PWiz

    Christoffel symbols derivation

    I've attempted to derive an expression for the Christoffel symbols (of the 2nd kind) solely in terms of the covariant and contravariant forms of the metric by only using the definition of the Christoffel symbols. I would like to know if my approach is correct or not. The Christoffel symbols are...
  25. R

    How do we write mathematical symbols on whatsapp or google

    Do we need a keyboard for that.There are apps. Or can we write some code or latex? Or does whatsapp or google having so many developers even accept mathematical symbols like the θ sign or ∫ sign?
  26. Ackbach

    MHB Conservation of Symbols Law of Algebra

    So, I'm trying to think of some way to formulate a "Conservation of Symbols" Law of Mathematics. Something like this: By "symbol" I mean any atomic variable, constant, digit, operator, bracket, etc., that is present in a syntactically correct expression, equation, or inequality. So the...
  27. B

    Fluid Dynamic Torque [in symbols]

    Homework Statement The conical bearing is placed in a lubricating Newtonian fluid having a viscosity μ. Determine the torque T required to rotate the bearing with a constant angular velocity of ω. Assume the velocity profile along the thickness t of the fluid is linear. Homework Equations v=ωr...
  28. P

    Deriving the Definition of the Christoffel Symbols

    In Sean Carroll's Lecture Notes on General Relativity (Chapter 3, Page 60), in the chapter on Curvature, he derives the definition of the Christoffels Symbols by assuming the connection is metric compatible and torsion free. He then takes the covariant derivative of the metric and cycles through...
  29. NaughtyBear

    I am unsure of what these two symbols are.

    These two symbols lose me. I am making something for a project and cannot figure the two circled in red out. This circuit is for a disposable camera.
  30. U

    Conditions on Christoffel Symbols?

    Homework Statement Write down the geodesic equation. For ##x^0 = c\tau## and ##x^i = constant##, find the condition on the christoffel symbols ##\Gamma^\mu~_{\alpha \beta}##. Show these conditions always work when the metric is of the form ##ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 +g_{ij}dx^idx^j##.Homework...
  31. H

    Electron Configuration from Term Symbols in Lanthanides

    Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I am very sorry if this has been asked before. I am Japanese and therefore my English might be a little bit awkward. I want to ask about term symbols and if they can be used to derive electron configuration in lanthanides. First of all, I do not major in Physics...
  32. I

    What Do Symbols 'R', 'S', and 'b' Mean in Aerodynamics Equations?

    Hi, In this article there are some symbols that I do not know what they are can you help me identify them? http://www.ijimt.org/papers/419-D0260.pdf Page 347 at the top the equation for CL what does the 'R' stand for? And while we are looking at the same equation. |w| is the magnitude of ball...
  33. T

    Understanding Spectroscopic Term Symbols: Unraveling the Confusion

    Terrm symbols are really letting me confused. A spectroscopic term or term symbol is used to identify different arrangments of a given electronic configuration. For example, to carbon in ground state (1s² 2s² 2p²) there are a lot of different possible values for ml and ms, and term symbols can...
  34. S

    MHB Easy question regarding symbols in discrete mathematics

    is the set of symbols that make up strings denoted by the symbol Σ or Σ* , also what is this difference?
  35. B

    Proof using Permutation Symbols

    Homework Statement Proove that... (AxB)x(CxD)=(A.BxD)C-(A.BxC)D=(A.CxD)B-(B.CxD)A using Permutation Symbols Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I am confused about what to do after the third line from 'vela's response' (Post #2 from the reference link below). Reference...
  36. S

    MHB Troubleshooting: Getting Math Symbols to Display Properly

    I am frustrated because although I put in the symbol for \sqrt{x} it doesn't translate it to the symbol. How can I get the **** thing to do that?
  37. U

    Flat Space - Christoffel symbols and Ricci = 0?

    Homework Statement [/B] (a) Find christoffel symbols and ricci tensor (b) Find the transformation to the usual flat space form ## g_{\mu v} = diag (-1,1,1,1)##. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Part(a) [/B] I have found the metric to be ## g_{tt} = g^{tt} = -1, g_{xt} = g_{tx} =...
  38. N

    Translating sentence into symbols

    I'm having trouble with translating this english sentence into logic symbols. The sentence is The numbers four and five aren't both prime, but the numbers five and seven are. I was thinking ~(F&I)v(IvS) but I really don't know how to deal with the "but". Thanks
  39. C

    MHB Taking cubic with log in the grouping symbols

    Use Logarithms to compute the following, correct to four- accuracy. (In find N from Log N, don't interpolate).26. $$(\log\left({0.007211}\right))^3$$ Let N=$$(\log\left({0.007211}\right))^3$$ Then $\log\left({(\log\left({0.007211}\right))^3}\right)$=$$\log\left({N}\right) $\therefore$...
  40. ranju

    Engineering Why do circuit elements have specific symbols?

    Homework Statement I wanted to ask why the symbols of capacitor , resistor and inductor is such which they have..?? Why are we denoting capacitor by 2 parallel plates why not 2 zig-zag plates..and same for inductor??Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution As much I got , resistor has such...
  41. J

    Could some please tell me what these two symbols are

    could you please look at the pic and tell what these two process diagram symbles are.
  42. E

    Christoffel symbols in differential geometry

    Homework Statement I'm having trouble figuring out how to use Christoffel symbols. Apart from the first three terms here, I can't understand what's going on between line 3 and 4. What formulas/definitions are being used? How do you find the product of two chirstoffel symbols? Where are all the...
  43. R

    How Can You Symbolically Solve for x in Mathematical Functions?

    Hi everyone, first time on the forum, so please feel free to give me unsolicited advice on if there's a better place to post this: if i have a function f(x), is there a way to symbolize 'solve for x'. for example, if f(x) == 3x^2, and I'm setting f(x) = 3, I want to be able to symbolically do...
  44. Schnurmann

    Least Squares Estimation - Problem with Symbols

    Hi folks, 1. Homework Statement I don't fully understand the question statement, how is it supposed to be read? Question: Give a formula for the minimizer x* (to be read as x-star) of the function ƒ:ℝn → ℝ, x → ƒ(x) = ||Ax-b||22, where A∈ℝm×n and b∈ℝm are given. You can assume that A has rank...
  45. Breo

    Variation of the Christoffel Symbols

    So, it is defined that: Γλμυ = Γλμυ + δΓλμυ This makes obvious to see that the variation of the connection, which is defined as a difference of 2 connections, is indeed a tensor. Therefore we can express it as a sum of covariant derivatives. δΓλμυ = ½gλν(-∇λδgμν + ∇μδgλν + ∇νδgλμ) However...
  46. P

    Math Symbols in PF 4.0 - Where Did It Go?

    In the previous version of PF, there was some sort of list from which one can select mathematical symbols (for the LaTex layman). However, I can't seem to find this option in PF 4.0. Can someone please tell me where it got moved to (if not deleted)? This feature was extremely helpful and...
  47. M

    Understanding Physics Symbols: Cos∠ and Sin∠

    Hi, I just started the chapter work and kinetic energy in my physics book, and I'm uncertain about the meaning of two symbols. They are 'F sub "two vertical lines"' and 'F sub "an upside down T/perpendicular symbol"'? Does it mean cos∠ and sin∠, respectively? Nevermind, I figured it out...
  48. S

    Help interpreting symbols of basic electric circuit

    Is asking for the voltage of a point in a wire (before/after a resister) the same as asking for the voltage across that resister? I understand voltage is relative.. Here is the circuit: I can't wrap my head around what V1 represents. Other questions in this assignment specifically ask...
  49. Simon = Mc2

    Symbols for physics, geometry, calculus ext

    Basically the symbols like force f and d/dt (mv) for these subjects. Physics Geometry Calculus Astronomy Cosmology Biology Algebra Trigonometry Chemistry Could you try to get as many symbols in or like a website. It is really hard to find a good list of symbols.
  50. K

    Coordinate free Christoffel symbols

    I've been trying to come up with a oordinate free formula of Christoffel symbols. For the Christoffel symbols of the first kind it's really easy. Since \Gamma_{\lambda\mu\nu} = \frac{1}{2}\left( g_{\mu\lambda,\nu}+g_{\nu\lambda,\mu} - g_{\mu\nu,\lambda}\right) we can easily generalize the...
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