Algebra uses specific symbols for the four fundamental arithmetic operations, each paired with standard terminology:

• Addition: Written as $a + b$, read "$a$ plus $b$." The result is called the sum of $a$ and $b$.
• Subtraction: Written as $a - b$, read "$a$ minus $b$." The result is called the difference of $a$ and $b$.
• Multiplication: Can be written as $a \cdot b$, $(a)(b)$, $(a)b$, $a(b)$, or simply $ab$, read "$a$ times $b$." The result is called the product of $a$ and $b$.
• Division: Can be written as $a \div b$, $a/b$, $\frac{a}{b}$, or using the long division symbol $b\overline{)a}$, read "$a$ divided by $b$." The result is called the quotient of $a$ and $b$; $a$ is the dividend and $b$ is the divisor.

When converting between English and symbols, the prepositions "of" and "and" are important cues. For instance, "the product of 4 and 8" means $4 \cdot 8$, and "the difference of 9 and 2" means $9 - 2$.