The Mathematical Symbol "Neither Greater-Than nor Less-Than (≹)"
Exploring the "Neither Greater-Than nor Less-Than" Symbol (≹)
Mathematics boasts a wide array of symbols that convey specific meanings and relations. One such symbol is ≹, representing the concept of "Neither Greater-Than nor Less-Than". In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of this symbol and its application within various mathematical contexts.
Deciphering ≹
The ≹ symbol articulates a relationship where neither of the two compared entities is greater or lesser than the other, yet they aren't necessarily equal either. This nuanced distinction is essential in areas where there are different ways to compare entities that aren't strictly numerical.
Example 1: Numerical Context
Let's consider two real numbers, \( a \) and \( b \). If \( a \) is neither greater than nor less than \( b \), but they aren't explicitly equal, the relationship is: \[ a ≹ b \]
Example 2: Complex Numbers
Suppose we have two complex numbers \( z_1 \) and \( z_2 \). In the realm of complex numbers, there isn't a straightforward notion of 'greater than' or 'less than'. Here, one might use: \[ z_1 ≹ z_2 \] to imply that neither of the complex numbers is dominant in magnitude, yet they aren't identically equal.
Real-world Uses of ≹
Applications of the ≹ notation include:
- Mathematical Analysis: Especially in areas where standard relational operators might not be directly applicable.
- Computer Science: For non-traditional data comparisons, such as certain algorithms that deal with non-numerical data structures.
- Physics: In contexts where two entities can't be directly compared using standard metrics.
To conclude, the ≹ symbol plays a crucial role in providing a middle ground between the traditional relational operators. It encapsulates the intricacy and depth of mathematical relationships, emphasizing the importance of precision in technical communications.

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Codes for the ≹ Symbol
The Symbol | ≹ | |
Alt Code | Alt 8825 | |
HTML Code | ≹ | |
HTML Entity | ≹ | |
CSS Code | \2279 | |
Hex Code | ≹ | |
Unicode | U+2279 |
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 8825. 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: "\2279";} </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+2279. 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 |
---|---|
2279 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ≹ (The 2279 turns into ≹. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
JavaScript Text | Output |
---|---|
let str = "\u2279" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ≹ |