# Algebraic symbol

## Definition

A symbol that represents a quantity is called an algebraic symbol.

Numbers are mainly introduced to represent the quantities but every number is a symbol. On the basis of this concept, the quantities can not only be denoted by the numbers, and can also be represented by the symbols.

It is implement in algebra to represent every number by a symbol and the symbol which represents a quantity is known as an algebraic symbol.

### Example

Scientifically, $24$ hours is the total hours of a day on earth. Represent this quantity by any symbol, for example $t$.

$t = 24$

Now, just write $t$ instead of $24$ hours wherever you want to write the total hours of a day. The letter $t$ represents a quantity. Therefore, the symbol $t$ is called as an algebraic symbol.

The mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain and its height is $8,848$ meters. Represent this quantity by any symbol, for example $m_{\displaystyle \,e}$.

$m_{\displaystyle \,e} = 8848$

Now, you can write $m_{\displaystyle \,e}$ instead of $8,848$ meters. The symbol $m_{\displaystyle \,e}$ represents a quantity. Hence, the symbol $m_{\displaystyle \,e}$ is called as an algebraic symbol.

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