The "Minus Sign (−)" Symbol in Mathematics (2024)

The Mathematical Symbol "Minus Sign (−)"

homesitemapsymbolsminus sign

The − Symbol in Mathematics: The Minus Sign

Among the most universally recognized symbols in mathematics is the − symbol, representing the "Minus Sign". This simple yet profound symbol finds application across a spectrum of mathematical operations and contexts. This short lesson covers the diverse uses of the − sign and offers illustrative examples for clarity.

Usage

The primary functions of the − symbol are to show subtraction and to indicate negative values. Its ubiquity in mathematics arises from its foundational role in arithmetic, algebra, and numerous other domains of the discipline.

Examples

  • Example 1: Subtraction of Numbers: When considering the subtraction of two numbers, the − sign is used to indicate the operation. For instance:
    \( 7 − 5 = 2 \)
    In this equation, 5 is subtracted from 7 to yield a result of 2.
  • Example 2: Indicating Negative Values: The − sign is also employed to represent negative quantities. For example:
    \( −3 \)
    Here, −3 is a negative number, and the − sign serves to differentiate it from its positive counterpart.
  • Example 3: In Equations: In algebraic equations, the − sign helps convey relationships and operations. Consider:
    \( x^2 + 5x − 6 = 0 \)
    This quadratic equation includes both positive and negative coefficients, with the − sign denoting the negative value.

In summary, the − symbol, or the minus sign, is a foundational component of mathematical notation. Its versatility and widespread application make it one of the most fundamental symbols in the world of numbers and equations.

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Codes for the − Symbol

The Symbol
Alt CodeAlt 8722
HTML Code−
HTML Entity&ampminus;
CSS Code\2212
Hex Code−
UnicodeU+2212

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 8722. When you lift the Alt key, the symbol appears. ("Num Lock" must be on.)

(Method 3) Use the HTML Decimal Code (for webpages).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &#8722;</b>My symbol: −

(Method 4) Use the HTML Entity Code (for webpages).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &minus;&lt/b>My symbol: −

(Method 5) Use the CSS Code (for webpages).

CSS and HTML TextOutput
<style>
span:after {
content: "\2212";}
</style>
<span>My symbol:</span>
My symbol: −

(Method 6) Use the HTML Hex Code (for webpages and HTML canvas).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &#x2212;&lt/b>My symbol: −

On the assumption that you already have your canvas and the context set up, use the Hex code in the format 0x2212 to place the − symbol on your canvas. For example:

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+2212. 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:

TypeOutput
2212
[Hold down Alt]
[Press x]

(The 2212 turns into −. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.)

In JavaScript, the syntax is \uXXXX. So, our example would be \u2212. (Note that the format is 4 hexadecimal characters.)

JavaScript TextOutput
let str = "\u2212"
document.write("My symbol: " + str)
My symbol: −

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More about Mathematical Symbols

Mathematics is a universal language that is used to describe and understand the intricacies of the universe. At the heart of this language are symbols, concise representations that convey specific meanings and ideas.

Just as letters come together to form words in spoken languages, mathematical symbols combine to form expressions and equations, encapsulating intricate ideas in a compact form. The history of these symbols is as varied as their meanings; some have been in use for centuries while others have been introduced more recently to describe new discoveries and concepts. Whether you are a student, educator, researcher, or simply curious, this list of mathematical symbols will serve as a guide, shedding light on their meanings, origins, and applications.

From the simple plus and minus signs to the more esoteric and complex, each symbol has its unique story and significance.

More Symbols

Full List of Mathematical Symbols

The "Minus Sign (−)" Symbol in Mathematics (2024)

FAQs

The "Minus Sign (−)" Symbol in Mathematics? ›

The plus sign (+) and the minus sign (−) are mathematical symbols used to denote positive and negative functions, respectively. In addition, + represents the operation of addition, which results in a sum, while − represents subtraction, resulting in a difference.

What does − mean in math? ›

minus sign. noun. : a sign − used to show subtraction (as in 8 − 6 = 2) or a quantity less than zero (as in −10°)

What is the +/- symbol called? ›

plus/minus sign. noun. : the sign ± used to mean that a quantity (as 2 in "the square root of 4 is ± 2") takes on both a positive and a negative value or to indicate a plus or minus quantity (as 5 in "the scale was accurate to ± 5 grams") called also plus/minus symbol.

What is the set minus symbol in math? ›

Subtraction of sets is indicated by either of the symbols – or \. For example, A minus B can be written either A – B or A \ B.

What do you call minus in math? ›

Subtraction is the process of taking away a number from another. It is a primary arithmetic operation that is denoted by a subtraction symbol (-) and is the method of calculating the difference between two numbers. 1.

What does a negative (-) symbol mean? ›

The plus sign (+) and the minus sign (−) are mathematical symbols used to denote positive and negative functions, respectively. In addition, + represents the operation of addition, which results in a sum, while − represents subtraction, resulting in a difference.

What does (-) mean in math? ›

A number is negative if it is less than zero. A number is non-negative if it is greater than or equal to zero. A number is non-positive if it is less than or equal to zero.

What is +/- in maths? ›

The plus-minus sign (±) is a mathematical symbol with multiple meanings. The sign is normally pronounced "plus or minus". In mathematics, it generally indicates a choice of exactly two possible values, one of which is the negation of the other.

What does -+ mean in math? ›

The plus–minus sign or plus-or-minus sign, ±, is a symbol with multiple meanings. In mathematics, it generally indicates a choice of exactly two possible values, one of which is obtained through addition and the other through subtraction.

What does +/- mean in measurements? ›

Plus–minus sign (±), a mathematical symbol which can mean either plus (+) or minus (−), or can indicate the uncertainty of a measurement or statistic. Plus–minus (sports), a sports statistic used to measure a player's impact on the game. Plus minus method, a geophysical method to interpret seismic refraction profiles.

What is the minus operation in math? ›

Subtraction (which is signified by the minus sign −) is one of the four arithmetic operations along with addition, multiplication and division. Subtraction is an operation that represents removal of objects from a collection.

What is minus minus equal to in algebra? ›

Remember, a minus sign with another minus sign results in a plus sign.

What is the minus number symbol? ›

A − sign between two numbers means that we are subtracting the second number from the first.

What is another word for minus in math? ›

Subtraction-minus, greater than, take away, fewer than, less than, subtract, decreased by. Multiplication-product, multiply, multiplied by, times.

What is the name of the subtraction symbol? ›

The “−” symbol is called the minus or subtraction sign.

What is the math term for negative? ›

The negative version of a positive number is referred to as its negation. For example, −3 is the negation of the positive number 3. The sum of a number and its negation is equal to zero: 3 + (−3) = 0.

What does neg mean in math? ›

In mathematics, a negative number represents an opposite. In the real number system, a negative number is a number that is less than zero. Negative numbers are often used to represent the magnitude of a loss or deficiency.

What does − 1 mean? ›

In mathematics, −1 (negative one or minus one) is the additive inverse of 1, that is, the number that when added to 1 gives the additive identity element, 0.

What does +/- mean in an equation? ›

In mathematical formulas, the ± symbol may be used to indicate a symbol that may be replaced by either of the plus and minus signs, + or −, allowing the formula to represent two values or two equations.

What does (-) mean in a calculator? ›

d) If a negative number is needed, then use the (-) key. On some calculators, ÷ is represented by /. Example. Calculate 5+3× −2 − 4÷2. Type from left to right, pressing (-) then 2 for −2 and the calculator display should show exactly the calculation above.

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