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.

The "Minus Sign (−)" Symbol in Mathematics (1)

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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

What does the minus sign mean in math? ›

noun. : a sign − used in mathematics to indicate subtraction (as in 8−6=2) or a negative quantity (as in −10°) called also negative sign.

What is the rule for minus minus in math? ›

Remember, a minus sign with another minus sign results in a plus sign. In other words, subtracting a negative number from a positive number is the same as adding two positive numbers.

What is the code for the minus sign? ›

Unicode Character “−” (U+2212)
Name:Minus Sign
Combining Class:Not Reordered (0)
Character is Mirrored:No
GCGID:SA000000
HTML Entity:&#8722; &#x2212; &minus;
9 more rows

What is the symbol of subtraction answer? ›

Subtraction (which is signified by the minus sign −) is one of the four arithmetic operations along with addition, multiplication and division.

What is the difference between a negative sign and a minus sign? ›

Minus is either of two arithmetical operations: the binary operation of subtraction, or the unary operation of negation. Negative is a property of a real number, meaning less than zero.

What does a negative 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. A debt that is owed may be thought of as a negative asset.

How do you use minus in math? ›

Minus represents the arithmetic operation of subtraction between two numbers. We use minus sign to denote subtract, decreased by, take away, etc. Minus sign also means how much is one value more than the other value.

What is the sign minus symbol? ›

minus sign ()

What is minus in coding? ›

The minus sign (-) is the subtract symbol in programming and on calculator keyboards. For example, 10 - 7 means subtract 7 from 10. It is also used in command line syntax for a switch.

What do you call the minus sign? ›

The character is referred to as a hyphen, a minus sign, or a dash according to the context where it is being used. -

What are mathematical words for minus? ›

Words that signal subtraction:
  • Decreased by.
  • Diminished by.
  • Subtract.
  • Reduce.
  • Difference.
  • Less than.
  • From.
  • Minus.

What is the math symbol set subtraction? ›

Mathwords: Set Subtraction. A way of modifying a set by removing the elements belonging to another set. 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 is subtraction called in math? ›

The part you start with is called the minuend. The part being taken away is called the subtrahend. The part that is left after subtraction is called the difference. In the problem 5 - 3 = 2, the number 5 is the minuend, the number 3 is the subtrahend, and the number 2 is the difference.

What does a minus represent? ›

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 a minus before a number mean? ›

A negative number is a number whose value is always less than zero and it has a minus (-) sign before it. On a number line, negative numbers are represented on the left side of zero. For example, -6 and -15 are negative numbers.

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")

When to use +-? ›

The plus or minus sign is used when solving equations involving quadratic functions or when finding the roots of equations. It is particularly relevant when taking the square root of both sides of an equation to solve for a variable.

References

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