Definition
Operation symbol
An operation symbol is a sign that tells which mathematical operation connects quantities.
What it means
Read the sign as the action connecting the quantities around it. The symbol belongs to structured mathematical notation, so it must be interpreted with the expression rather than replaced wherever the character appears.
Remember it
The numbers are the quantities; the operation symbol names the action.
Example
In 18 ÷ 3, the symbol ÷ tells you to divide 18 by 3. The quotient is 6.
Watch for
The equals sign = is a relation symbol, not an operation symbol; it says two expressions have the same value.
Common mix-up
The mark − can mean subtraction between two quantities or a negative sign before one number. Its position and context decide the meaning.
Exact meaning
An operation symbol is a written sign that indicates a mathematical operation in an expression or equation, such as + for addition, − for subtraction, × for multiplication, or ÷ and a fraction bar for division.