Unit 10.1
Symbols
Introduction
A symbol is a figure that represents an entity.
Form
We distinguish between: alphanumeric symbols and non-alphanumeric symbols.
- Alphanumeric symbols: Using letters and numbers.
GBP, USD, CAD, N, S, W, E - Non-alphanumeric symbols: Using other characters such as exclamation or question marks, the at symbol or the equal symbol.
£, $, @, #, /
Example
- Currency
- GBP – The Pound sterling
- USD – The United States dollar
- CAD – The Canadian dollar
- Points of the compass
- N – north
- S – south
- E – east
- W – west
- Elements in the keyboard
- @ – at
- # – hash
- / – slash
Use
We use symbols to indicate:
- Currency
- Points of the compass
- Elements appearing in the keyboard of the computer. They are apparent in websites, e-mail addresses and links.