Begin2.DVI

Greek Alphabet

Letter Name

A α alpha

B β beta

Γ γ gamma

∆ δ delta

E  epsilon

Z ζ zeta

H η eta

Θ θ theta

I ι iota

K κ kappa

Λ λ lambda

M μ mu

Letter Name

N ν nu

Ξ ξ xi

O o omicron

Π π pi

P ρ rho

Σ σ sigma

T τ tau

Υ υ upsilon

Φ φ phi

X χ chi

Ψ ψ psi

Ω ω omega

Notation

By convention letters from the beginning of an alphabet, such asa,b,c,...or the

Greek lettersα,β,γ,...are often used to denote quantities which have a constant

value. Subscripted quantities such asx 0 ,x 1 ,x 2 ,...ory 0 ,y 1 ,y 2 ,...can also be used to

represent constant quantities. A variable is a quantity which is allowed to change

its value. The lettersu,v,w,x,y,zor the Greek lettersξ,η,ζare most often used to

denote variable quantities.

Inequalities

The mathematical symbols=(equals), 6 =(not equal),<(less than),<<(much

less than), ≤(less than or equal), > (greater than), >> (much greater than)≥

(greater than or equal), and||(absolute value) occur frequently in mathematics to

compare real numbersa,b,c,.... The law of trichotomy states that ifaandbare real

numbers, then exactly one of the following must be true. Eitheraequalsb,ais less

thanborais greater thanb. These statements are expressed using the mathematical

notations^2

a=b, a < b, a > b

(^2) In mathematical notation, the statementb > a, read “b is greater than a”, can also be representeda < bor
“a is less than b ”depending upon your way of looking at things.