How to Write Plus Minus (±) Symbol in LaTeX

LaTeX is a powerful typesetting system commonly used for creating professional documents, including research papers, articles, reports and presentations. One of the fundamental aspects of LaTeX is its ability to handle mathematical expressions with ease and precision. In mathematical notations, the plus or minus symbol (±) is frequently used to indicate two possible values, typically in equations involving uncertainties or ranges. In this blog post, we will explore how to write and effectively use the plus or minus symbol in LaTeX.

How To Write and Use Plus or Minus Symbol in LaTeX

In LaTeX, the plus or minus symbol (\pm) can be easily written using the command “\pm”. Here’s how you can write and use it:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\begin{document}

The plus or minus symbol is written as $\pm$. For example, $x = 5 \pm 2$ indicates that $x$ can be either $5 + 2 = 7$ or $5 - 2 = 3$.

\end{document}

In this example, pm command $\pm$ is used within math mode to represent the “plus or minus” sign. You can adjust the usage according to your specific needs within your LaTeX document.

Note: Using \usepackage{amsmath} is not always necessary, but it is highly recommended, especially if you’re dealing with mathematical equations in your LaTeX document.

Example of using Plus Minus in Mathematical Equation in Latex

Here’s an example of how you can write the quadratic formula in LaTeX:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

The quadratic formula is given by:
\begin{equation}
    x = \frac{{-b \pm \sqrt{{b^2 - 4ac}}}}{{2a}}
\end{equation}
where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are coefficients of the quadratic equation $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$.

\end{document}

This will produce a document with the quadratic formula properly formatted and displayed. Make sure to include \usepackage{amsmath} in the preamble to access the necessary mathematical commands and environments.

Examples of using Minus Plus in Latex

To write and use the “minus plus” symbol in LaTeX, you can use the command “\mp”. Here’s how you can write and use it:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

The minus plus symbol is written as $\mp$. For example, $x = 5 \mp 2$ indicates that $x$ can be either $5 - 2 = 3$ or $5 + 2 = 7$.

\end{document}

In this example, $\mp$ is used within math mode to represent the “minus plus” sign.

Conclusion

The plus or minus symbol (±) is a fundamental mathematical notation used to indicate two possible values, typically in equations involving uncertainties or ranges. In latex, writing and using the plus or minus symbol is straightforward, thanks to its built-in support for mathematical typesetting.

Also Check: Latex 20 Essential Maths Formula Symbols and How to Write