Geometry Symbols: Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties of configurations of geometric objects – (straight) lines, circles, and points being the most basic.
The area of mathematics that deals with space, lines, shapes, and points
- Plane Geometry is about flat shapes like triangles, circles, and lines,
- Solid Geometry is about solid (3-dimensional) shapes like spheres and cubes.
Geometry Symbol Chart
Let’s explore the typical Geometry symbols and meanings used in both basic Geometry and more advanced levels through this geometry symbol chart.
| Symbol | Symbol Name | Meaning/definition of the Symbols | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∠ | angle | formed by two rays | ∠ABC = 30º |
| ∟ | right angle | = 90º | α = 90º |
| ∢ | spherical angle | an angle, which is formed by the intersection of 2 great circles of the sphere. | AOB = 30º |
| ´ | arcminute | 1º = 60´ | α = 60º59′ |
| º | degree | 1 turn = 360º | α = 60º |
| ´´ | arcsecond | 1´ = 60´´ | α = 60º59’59” |
| AB→ | ray | line that start from point A | |
| AB | line segment | the line from point A to point B | |
| | | perpendicular | perpendicular lines (90º angle) | AC | BC |
| ≅ | congruent to | equivalence of geometric shapes and size | ∆ABC ≅∆XYZ |
| || | parallel | parallel lines | AB || CD |
| Δ | triangle | triangle shape | ΔABC ≅ΔBCD |
| ~ | similarity | same shapes, not the same size | ∆ABC ~∆XYZ |
| π | pi constant | π = 3.141592654…is the ratio between the circumference and diameter of a circle | c = π·d = 2·π·r |
| |x–y| | distance | distance between points x and y | | x–y | = 5 |
| grad | grads | grads angle unit | 360º = 400 grad |
| rad | radians | radians angle unit | 360º = 2π rad |
The symbols for angles and triangles are the most important and frequently used symbols in geometry.
