How to use LaTeX Left Arrow Symbol

July 30, 2023

To write the left arrow symbol (←) in LaTeX, use the LaTeX command \leftarrow. It will add ← arrow in the text.

In this article, we will discuss how to use leftward arrow (←) in the LaTeX document and their significance in the mathematical expressions and logical statements.

Symbol Overview

Symbol: Left Arrow

Unicode: U+2190

Type: Mathematical

Package Requirement: None (built-in symbol)

Argument: None (no additional arguments needed)

LaTeX Command: \leftarrow

Example: ←

Description

The left arrow is a built-in symbol available in LaTeX, is used to indicate a leftward direction. In mathematics context, it is used to represents the relationships or operations such as assignment or implication. In logical context, it is used in operations such as “implies” or “if-then”.

Syntax

The LaTeX command \leftarrow is used to display the left arrow symbol.

\leftarrow

Let’s understand using left arrow symbol in various domains like mathematics, logical context with the help of examples.

Using the Left Arrow Symbol in a Mathematical Expression

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\[ x \leftarrow y \]
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

x ← y

Here in the above example, x \leftarrow y represents an assignment operation where the value of y is assigned to x.

Using the Left Arrow Symbol in Logical Statement

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\[ P \land Q \leftarrow (P \lor \neg Q) \]
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

P ∧ Q ← (P ∨ ¬Q)

In the above example, the \leftarrow represents the “implies” operation in the logical statement. Logical statement is true when the both ‘P’ and ‘Q’ are true, or ‘P’ is false and ‘Q’ is false.

Applications

The left arrow symbol has versatile applications in LaTeX documents such as:

Represents assignment or directional opeations in mathematical expression or equations.
Indicates logical relationship or implication in logical statement.

Conclusion

Using the left arrow symbol in LaTeX documents, you can use it in document where leftward direction, assignment, implication and conditional operations are required. It helps to create visually appealing and formatted documents with enhanced mathematical and logical representations.