The Mathematical Symbol "Minus Tilde (≂)"
The ≂ Symbol in Mathematics: Minus Tilde
The mathematical landscape is populated with a diverse array of symbols, each designed to communicate specific ideas or relations. Among this vast repertoire, the ≂ symbol, often termed as "Minus Tilde" or "Equal To or Minus", finds its niche. This article seeks to unravel its use and implications, complemented by illustrative examples.
Usage
The ≂ symbol is typically used to indicate an approximation or an equality that holds up to a sign. It emphasizes that two quantities are nearly equivalent, but there might be a difference in their sign or a slight deviation from an exact equality.
Examples
- Example 1: Suppose we're approximating a value and state:
\( x ≂ y \)
This can be read as "x is approximately equal to y, up to a potential difference in sign or a minor discrepancy." - Example 2: In some contexts, when we want to stress that two expressions have the same magnitude but may differ in sign, we could express:
\( a ≂ -b \)
This conveys that the value of \( a \) is nearly the same as \( b \), but with an opposite sign or with a slight difference.
In summary, the ≂ symbol provides a nuanced way of expressing approximate equalities or equivalences in mathematical notations. It conveys the idea of two quantities being similar in magnitude but possibly differing in other minor aspects, such as sign.
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Codes for the ≂ Symbol
| The Symbol | ≂ | |
| Alt Code | Alt 8770 | |
| HTML Code | ≂ | |
| HTML Entity | ≂ | |
| CSS Code | \2242 | |
| Hex Code | ≂ | |
| Unicode | U+2242 |
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 8770. 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: "\2242";} </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+2242. 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 |
|---|---|
| 2242 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ≂ (The 2242 turns into ≂. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
| JavaScript Text | Output |
|---|---|
| let str = "\u2242" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ≂ |