The Mathematical Symbol "Neither Less-Than nor Equivalent To (≴)"
Exploring the "Neither Less-Than nor Equivalent To" Symbol (≴)
In the realm of mathematics, symbols serve as a universal language. The ≴ symbol, which denotes "Neither Less-Than nor Equivalent To", is one such symbol that embodies a precise and specific relational concept. This article aims to shed light on its meaning and usage within mathematical contexts.
Understanding ≴
The ≴ symbol is utilized to describe that a value is not less than another value and is also not approximately equivalent to it. It conveys a particular relationship between two entities where the entity on the left isn't slightly less or approximately equivalent to the one on the right.
Example 1: Numerical Usage
Considering two real numbers, \( x \) and \( y \). If \( x \) isn't slightly less than or approximately equivalent to \( y \), the relationship can be expressed as: \[ x ≴ y \]
Example 2: Practical Context
Suppose in a data set, the growth rate of a plant in week 1 is represented by \( G_1 \) and in week 2 by \( G_2 \). If \( G_1 \) doesn't show a trend of being slightly less than or roughly the same as \( G_2 \), then: \[ G_1 ≴ G_2 \]
Applications of ≴
The ≴ notation finds its presence in:
- Mathematical Analysis: When assessing the relationships between variables and constants.
- Statistics: In hypothesizing and comparing data trends.
- Engineering: In evaluating tolerances and design specifications.
The symbol offers a way to describe a nuanced relationship between values, encapsulating the idea that one value isn't even approximately close to being less than another.
In summary, the ≴ symbol stands as a representation of mathematical precision. Such symbols streamline communication in technical fields, ensuring clarity in expressions and solutions.

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Codes for the ≴ Symbol
The Symbol | ≴ | |
Alt Code | Alt 8820 | |
HTML Code | ≴ | |
HTML Entity | ≴ | |
CSS Code | \2274 | |
Hex Code | ≴ | |
Unicode | U+2274 |
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 8820. 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: "\2274";} </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+2274. 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 |
---|---|
2274 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ≴ (The 2274 turns into ≴. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
JavaScript Text | Output |
---|---|
let str = "\u2274" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ≴ |