The Mathematical Symbol "Not Equal To (≠)"
Exploring the "Not Equal To" Symbol (≠)
The ≠ symbol, recognized universally as "Not Equal To", is prevalent in mathematics and various programming languages. This article will delve into the meaning of this symbol and illustrate its applications with examples.
Meaning of ≠
The ≠ symbol articulates inequality between two values, meaning they are not the same in terms of magnitude, value, or some other measure. It is the opposite of the equality symbol (`=`).
Example 1: Basic Arithmetic
If you want to express that the number 5 is not equal to 7, you can write: \[ 5 ≠ 7 \]
Example 2: Algebra
For variables, if \( x \) is not equal to \( y \), it's expressed as: \[ x ≠ y \]
Applications of ≠
The ≠ symbol is versatile and finds its usage in various fields:
- Mathematics: To indicate inequality between numbers, variables, or expressions.
- Programming: In many programming languages, the ≠ or similar notations are used to compare two values or variables to check if they are unequal. This often influences decision-making constructs in code.
- Physics and Engineering: To depict inequality in equations representing physical or engineering systems.
To conclude, the ≠ symbol is integral to expressing inequality across numerous domains. Whether comparing numbers, driving logic in computer code, or modeling real-world systems, understanding its meaning is essential.
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Codes for the ≠ Symbol
| The Symbol | ≠ | |
| Alt Code | Alt 8800 | |
| HTML Code | ≠ | |
| HTML Entity | ≠ | |
| CSS Code | \2260 | |
| Hex Code | ≠ | |
| Unicode | U+2260 |
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 8800. 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: "\2260";} </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+2260. 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 |
|---|---|
| 2260 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ≠ (The 2260 turns into ≠. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
| JavaScript Text | Output |
|---|---|
| let str = "\u2260" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ≠ |