How to use LaTeX Up-Down Arrow Symbol

July 30, 2023

To write the up-down arrow symbol (↕) in LaTeX, use the LaTeX command \updownarrow. It will add ↕ arrow in the text.

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

Symbol Overview

Symbol: Up-Down Arrow Arrow

Unicode: U+2195

Type: Mathematical

Package Requirement: None (built-in symbol)

Argument: None (no additional arguments needed)

LaTeX Command: \updownarrow

Example: ↕

Description

The up-down arrow is a built-in symbol available in LaTeX, is used to indicate an bidirectional direction. In mathematical context, it is used to represent fractions or absolute value expressions. In logical expressions, it is used to express logical equivalence or “if and only if”.

Syntax

The LaTeX command \updownarrow is used to display the up-down arrow symbol.

\updownarrow

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

Using the Up Arrow Symbol in a Mathematical Expression

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

Output: 👇️

↕ y

Here in the above example, the fraction x/y is wrapped within the up-down symbol, indicating vertical reflection or equivalency.

Using the Up-Down Arrow Symbol in Logical Statement

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

Output: 👇️

P ∧ Q ↕ (P ∨ ¬Q)

In the above example, the \updownarrow represents the “if and only if” operation, where the logical statement is true when both P and Q have the same truth value.

Applications

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

Indicate fractions or absolute value expressions in mathematical expressions.
Represent logical equivalence or “if and only if” relationships in logical statment.

Conclusion

Using the up down arrow symbol in LaTeX documents, you can create visually appealing and formatted documents with enhanced mathematical and logical representations.