Which element is commonly found in the back matter of a technical report?

The inclusion of a list of symbols in the back matter of a technical report serves a crucial purpose. This element provides readers with a clear reference point for the symbols, abbreviations, and notation used throughout the report, which can be especially important in fields such as engineering and science where complex formulas and technical language are prevalent. By placing this information in the back matter, it allows the main content of the report to flow more smoothly without interrupting the narrative with definitions and clarifications that may distract from the intended message.

The other elements mentioned typically appear in different sections of a technical report. The abstract is presented at the beginning as a summary of the report's key points. The conclusion summarizes findings and insights drawn from the entire report, usually located towards the end but not in the back matter section. The introduction sets the context and outlines the objectives of the report, providing foundational information to guide readers right from the start. Each of these elements has a specific role in the overall structure of a technical report, with the list of symbols being integral as a reference tool in the back matter.