The Mathematical Symbol "Angle (∠)"
Exploring the ∠ Symbol in Mathematics
The mathematical symbol ∠ is universally recognized as representing an "angle". Predominantly used in geometry and trigonometry, this symbol denotes the shape formed by two rays, called the sides of the angle, sharing a common endpoint, termed the vertex of the angle. Let's delve into two primary uses of this symbol, providing two examples for each context.
1. Geometry
In geometry, ∠ is utilized to represent the measure or magnitude of the angle formed between two intersecting lines or line segments.
- Example 1: If you have two intersecting lines forming an angle of 90 degrees, it is often written as ∠A = 90°, where A is the vertex of the angle.
- Example 2: When two line segments, AB and BC, meet at point B forming an angle of 45 degrees, it can be represented as ∠ABC = 45°.
2. Trigonometry
In trigonometry, the ∠ symbol is commonly used to refer to angles in relation to trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent.
- Example 1: If you're trying to find the sine of a 30-degree angle, it might be written as sin(∠A) = 0.5, where ∠A = 30°.
- Example 2: The tangent of a 45-degree angle is often denoted as tan(∠B) = 1, where ∠B = 45°.
To conclude, the ∠ symbol is versatile in mathematics, predominantly signifying angles. Whether indicating the magnitude of geometric angles or serving as a reference for trigonometric functions, the symbol is indispensable in many mathematical contexts.
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Codes for the ∠ Symbol
| The Symbol | ∠ | |
| Alt Code | Alt 8736 | |
| HTML Code | ∠ | |
| HTML Entity | ∠ | |
| CSS Code | \2220 | |
| Hex Code | ∠ | |
| Unicode | U+2220 |
How To Insert the ∠ Symbol
(Method 1) Copy and paste the symbol.
The easiest way to get the ∠ symbol is to copy and paste it into your document.Bear in mind that this is a UTF-8 encoded character. It must be encoded as UTF-8 at all stages (copying, replacing, editing, pasting), otherwise it will render as random characters or the dreaded �.
(Method 2) Use the "Alt Code."
If you have a keyboard with a numeric pad, you can use this method. Simply hold down the Alt key and type 8736. When you lift the Alt key, the symbol appears. ("Num Lock" must be on.)(Method 3) Use the HTML Decimal Code (for webpages).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: ∠</b> | My symbol: ∠ |
(Method 4) Use the HTML Entity Code (for webpages).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: ∠</b> | My symbol: ∠ |
(Method 5) Use the CSS Code (for webpages).
| CSS and HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
|
<style> span:after { content: "\2220";} </style> <span>My symbol:</span> | My symbol: ∠ |
(Method 6) Use the HTML Hex Code (for webpages and HTML canvas).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: ∠</b> | My symbol: ∠ |
| JavaScript Text |
|---|
|
const x = "0x"+"E9" ctx.fillText(String.fromCodePoint(x), 5, 5); |
| Output |
∠ |
(Method 7) Use the Unicode (for various, e.g. Microsoft Office, JavaScript, Perl).
The Unicode for ∠ is U+2220. The important part is the hexadecimal number after the U+, which is used in various formats. For example, in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint), do the following:| Type | Output |
|---|---|
| 2220 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ∠ (The 2220 turns into ∠. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
| JavaScript Text | Output |
|---|---|
| let str = "\u2220" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ∠ |