The Mathematical Symbol "Greater-Than or Equal To (≥)"
The ≥ Symbol in Mathematics: Greater-Than or Equal To
The ≥ symbol is an indispensable part of mathematics and symbolizes an inclusive comparison. Unlike the strict "greater-than" (>) relation, the ≥ notation includes equality, broadening the spectrum of the relationship between two values. This article highlights its importance and provides illustrative examples.
Usage
The ≥ sign is predominantly used to compare two numbers, indicating that the number on its left is either greater than or equal to the number on its right. The symbol finds utility across arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and other domains of mathematics.
Examples
- Example 1: Arithmetic Comparison:
When comparing the numbers 7 and 7, the relation can be expressed as \( 7 ≥ 7 \), denoting that seven is greater than or equal to seven (which, in this case, means they are equal). - Example 2: Algebraic Inequalities:
Consider an equation involving \( x \) as a variable: \( 2x + 1 ≥ 5 \). This inequality conveys that when 2 times the value of \( x \) is added to 1, the result should be greater than or equal to 5.
To encapsulate, the ≥ symbol is an all-encompassing notation used to represent both the strict "greater-than" relation and equality. It's a cornerstone of mathematical expressions and relations and has its equivalents in computer programming for conditional evaluations.
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Codes for the ≥ Symbol
| The Symbol | ≥ | |
| Alt Code | Alt 8805 | |
| HTML Code | ≥ | |
| HTML Entity | ≥ | |
| CSS Code | \2265 | |
| Hex Code | ≥ | |
| Unicode | U+2265 |
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 8805. 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: "\2265";} </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+2265. 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 |
|---|---|
| 2265 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ≥ (The 2265 turns into ≥. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
| JavaScript Text | Output |
|---|---|
| let str = "\u2265" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ≥ |