Exam Strategy

Mathematical Formulae and Symbols for Actuarial Exams

Access the Mathematical Formulae and Symbols PDF for quick revision and practice of mathematical, statistical, compound interest and life table notation for exams.

S.MONK 27 Aug 2026 2 min read Share
Mathematical Formulae and Symbols for Actuarial Exams

Actuarial exams require students to work comfortably with mathematical, statistical and actuarial notation. The S.MONK Mathematical Formulae & Symbols reference is designed to help students quickly revise and practise commonly used notation.

The reference covers four key areas:

1. General Mathematical Notation

Includes symbols for powers, roots, inequalities, derivatives, integrals, summation, products and Greek letters.

These are frequently used when writing mathematical solutions, particularly in CM1, CM2, CS1 and CS2.

2. Statistical Notation

Covers notation such as expected value, conditional expectation, variance, covariance, distributions and binomial coefficients.

Understanding these symbols helps students read and construct statistical solutions more quickly.

3. Compound Interest Functions

Includes commonly used actuarial notation for interest, discount, accumulation and annuity functions.

Students preparing for CM1 can use this section while practising financial mathematics questions.

4. Life Table Functions

Includes notation for survival probabilities, mortality, annuities and assurance functions, with keyboard-friendly alternatives.

This is particularly useful when practising life contingencies and actuarial mathematics questions.

How Should Students Practise?

Don't just read the PDF. Use it while solving past exam questions.

  • Practise typing common symbols in Word.
  • Identify notation used in past questions.
  • Write the keyboard equivalent alongside the mathematical symbol.
  • Practise complete solutions under time pressure.

Regular practice makes notation more familiar and allows you to focus on solving the question rather than remembering how to represent the formula or symbol.

The reference can support preparation for IFoA and IAI actuarial examinations, particularly subjects involving mathematical and statistical notation.

📘 Keep the PDF handy during revision and past-paper practice.

Download the PDF

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