Greek Letters in Science and Math

Greek Alphabet for Kids - Science, Mathematics and Engineering

Apart from its use in the ancient and modern Greek language, the Greek alphabet can be found in a vast amount of technical symbols in many fields. Mathematicians, scientists and engineers use the Greek Alphabet in their daily life. The simple reason about this fact, is that the basic mathematics, engineering and science concepts, were discovered by ancient Greeks. Greek letters are used as symbols for special functions, constants and variables representing certain quantities. The most famous letters are:

• The first 3 letters, α (alpha), β (beta) and γ (gamma) are used as variables for angles, in trigonometry.
• Delta (δ or Δ in upper case) is used when writing about differentiation in calculus. It means a change in quantity. So δx (or Δx) means a small change in x.
• ε (epsilon) is also used in calculus to declare an extremely small quantity, almost equal to zero.
• In trigonometry, θ (theta) is used as a variable for angles.
• Lamda (λ, upper case: Λ) is used to symbolize the wavelength of a periodic wave.
• In Scientific Notation we use (μ), for the prefix micro. For example, a dog’s hair is 60 μm wide.
• π (pi), is the famous value we get, if we divide the circumference of a circle by its diameter.
• Rho (ρ, or Ρ in upper case) represent the density of an object and is also used to represent the radius.
• Upper case sigma (Σ) is used for sum, in Summation Notation.
• Phi (φ, or Φ in upper case) is one of the most recognizable symbols, used for the Golden Ratio 1.618.
• O-mega (ω, or Ω in upper case) means the big O and is used to express electricity resistance, in ohms (Ω).

Source: Ellinopoula