How to Write Plus Minus (±) Symbol in LaTeX

August 04, 2023

To write plus minus symbol (±) in LaTeX, use the LaTeX command \pm. It will add ± symbol in the text.

The plus minus symbol (±) is commonly used to express two possible values, one positive and one negative.

In this article, we will discuss how to denote plus minus symbol (±) in the LaTeX document and its various application.

Symbol Overview

Symbol: Plus Minus Symbol

Unicode: U+00B1

Type: Mathematical

Package Requirement: None (built-in symbol)

Argument: None (no additional arguments needed)

LaTeX Command: \pm

Example: ±

Syntax

To display the plus minus symbol (±) in LaTeX, you will need to use the backslash followed by the “pm”.

\pm

Examples of Writing the Plus Minus Symbol

Let’s explore the some of the practical examples to understand the application of plus minus symbol in mathematical equations and expressions.

Using Plus Minus Symbol in Mathematical Equations

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\[ x = 5 \pm 2 \]
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

x = 5 ± 2

In the above example, x is given as 5 ± 2, denotes that x can be either 5+2 or 5-2.

Using Plus Minus Symbol to Represent Uncertainty

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\[ \Delta t = 10 \, \text{ms} \pm 2 \, \text{ms} \]
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

∆t = 10 ms ± 2 ms

In the above example, the plus minus symbol is used to represent the uncertainty in a value. In this case, ∆t is measured to be either 10 ms + 2ms or 10 ms - 2ms.

Using Plus Minus Symbol to Represent Standard Deviation in Statistics

In statistics, the plus minus symbol is often used to denote the standard deviation of a data set.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
The average score is 75 and the standard deviation is 5. So, the scores are 75 \(\pm\) 5.
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

The average score is 75 and the standard deviation is 5. So, the scores are 75 ± 5.

Using Plus Minus Symbol in Complex Numbers

The plus minus symbol can be used to represent both the positive and negative square roots of a complex number.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
The complex number \(x = 3 + 4i\) has two square roots: \(2 + i\) and \(-2 - i\).
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

The complex number x = 3 + 4i has two square roots: 2 + i and −2 − i.

In the above example, the complex number (x = 3 + 4i\) has two square roots 2 + i and −2 − i which can also be written as ±(2+i).

Using the Plus Minus Symbol to Represent Approximation

The plus minus symbol can be used to denote that a value is approximately equal to another value.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
The solution to the equation is \(x \approx 2 \pm 0.5\).
\end{document}

Output: 👇️

The solution to the equation is x ≈ 2 ± 0.5.

Applications

The plus minus symbol (±) used in various applications in LaTeX documents.

Represent the uncertainty in meansurements and calculations.
Express two possible values in equations.
Indicate variations in quantities.

Conclusion

The plus minus (±) symbol is a fundamental symbol in mathematical expressions and scientific fields used to represent two possible values, one positive and one negative.

The plus minus symbol is widely used in many applications such as mathematics, meansurements and calculations, scientific fields.

While using the plus minus symbol in your LaTeX document, ensure proper spacing around the plus minus symbol to maintain readability.