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Arithmetic Operation Symbols in Algebra

Algebra uses specific symbols for the four fundamental arithmetic operations, each paired with standard terminology:

Addition: Written as $a + b$ , read " $a$ plus $b$ ." The result is called the sum of $a$ and $b$ .
Subtraction: Written as $a - b$ , read " $a$ minus $b$ ." The result is called the difference of $a$ and $b$ .
Multiplication: Can be written as $a \cdot b$ , $(a)(b)$ , $(a)b$ , $a(b)$ , or simply $ab$ , read " $a$ times $b$ ." The result is called the product of $a$ and $b$ .
Division: Can be written as $a \div b$ , $a/b$ , $\frac{a}{b}$ , or using the long division symbol $b\overline{)a}$ , read " $a$ divided by $b$ ." The result is called the quotient of $a$ and $b$ ; $a$ is the dividend and $b$ is the divisor.

When converting between English and symbols, the prepositions "of" and "and" are important cues. For instance, "the product of 4 and 8" means $4 \cdot 8$ , and "the difference of 9 and 2" means $9 - 2$ .

Updated 2026-05-02

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