Definition:Equals

The symbol $$=$$ means equals.

$$x = y$$ means $$x$$ is the same object as $$y$$, and is read $$x$$ equals $$y$$, or $$x$$ is equal to $$y$$.

$$x \ne y$$ means $$x$$ is not the same object as $$y$$, and is read $$x$$ is not equal to $$y$$.

Historical Note
The equals sign was introduced by Robert Recorde in about 1557.

Placing two hyphens together, one above the other, he wrote: "Noe 2 thynges can be moare equalle."