MHB What Do the Symbols $\equiv$, =>, and <=> Mean in Mathematics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dethrone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Axioms Notation
Click For Summary
The symbol "$\equiv$" denotes equivalence, indicating that two expressions are equivalent for all values of the variable, unlike "=" which signifies equality for specific values. "$\Rightarrow$" is commonly used to represent implication, showing that one statement leads to another, while "$\Leftrightarrow$" indicates a biconditional relationship, meaning both statements are true or false together. The "$\equiv$" symbol can also mean "by definition" in certain contexts. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper mathematical communication. Overall, recognizing the appropriate use of these symbols enhances clarity in mathematical expressions.
Dethrone
Messages
716
Reaction score
0
First day of school and I don't have much work. So I got bored and read ahead a bit. From a textbook my prof wrote:
282qt95.jpg


Can someone explain why they used the "$\equiv$"? I think it means "equivalent", but I'm not sure, but when are times you want to use that symbol rather than "equals"? What's the difference between the two, and any examples of other usages of the symbol, or when you would use one over the other?

Other symbols of confusion: "=>". I generally use this to mean "implies", like $3x+y=6 => y=6-3x$. How about that versus "<=>" which I also don't see too often. Any other symbols of importance? (Wondering)
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Rido12 said:
First day of school and I don't have much work. So I got bored and read ahead a bit. From a textbook my prof wrote:Can someone explain why they used the "$\equiv$"? I think it means "equivalent", but I'm not sure, but when are times you want to use that symbol rather than "equals"? What's the difference between the two, and any examples of other usages of the symbol, or when you would use one over the other?

Other symbols of confusion: "=>". I generally use this to mean "implies", like $3x+y=6 => y=6-3x$. How about that versus "<=>" which I also don't see too often. Any other symbols of importance? (Wondering)

Two expressions are equal for some specific value of the
variable, when they yield the same number,but they are equivalent when
they are equal for any value of the variable. Two equations are equivalent when they have the same solution set.It is not used to say that two equations are equal.
Two sets are equivalent when they have the same number of
elements,but they are equal if they have exactly the same elements.

$\Leftrightarrow$ is the symbol of "if and only if",at which the truth of either one of the connected statements requires the truth of the other, either both statements are true, or both are false
 
Last edited:
In the context of the above picture, the $\equiv$ symbol means "by definition".
 
Thread 'Erroneously  finding discrepancy in transpose rule'
Obviously, there is something elementary I am missing here. To form the transpose of a matrix, one exchanges rows and columns, so the transpose of a scalar, considered as (or isomorphic to) a one-entry matrix, should stay the same, including if the scalar is a complex number. On the other hand, in the isomorphism between the complex plane and the real plane, a complex number a+bi corresponds to a matrix in the real plane; taking the transpose we get which then corresponds to a-bi...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K