LaTeX Plus Minus (±) - Complete Guide

The plus-minus symbol (±) represents both addition and subtraction simultaneously in mathematical expressions.

Symbol Preview

Plus Minus

LaTeX Code

Method 1: Using \pm

No package required

Recommended

\pm

Standard plus-minus symbol

What is the LaTeX Plus Minus?

The plus-minus symbol (±) is commonly used in mathematics to indicate that a value can be either positive or negative. It is frequently used in formulas involving quadratic equations, uncertainty ranges, and measurement tolerances.

How to Use Plus Minus in LaTeX

Method 1: Using \pm

✅No package required

Standard plus-minus symbol

Example: Using \pm

latex

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

% Using the Plus Minus
Text with \pm

\end{document}

Common Use Cases

The Plus Minus symbol is commonly used in the following contexts:

Quadratic Formula

Used in the quadratic formula solution.

Code

$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$

Output

x = (-b ± √(b²-4ac)) / 2a

Measurement Uncertainty

Represents measurement error ranges.

Code

Length: $L = 10 \pm 0.5$ cm

Output

Length: L = 10 ± 0.5 cm

Complete Examples

Quadratic Equation Solution

Classic quadratic formula

latex

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

The solutions to $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ are:
$$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$

\end{document}

Frequently Asked Questions

Which method should I use?

We recommend using the method marked as "Recommended" above. However, the best method depends on your specific needs:

\pm: Standard plus-minus symbol

Where do I use this symbol?

This symbol can be used:

In mathematical equations (math mode)
In regular text (if using text mode)
In various document environments

Can I use this in display mode?

Yes, symbols that work in math mode (between $ $) also work in display mode (between $$ $$). This allows you to display the symbol on its own line with larger formatting.

🔗 Related Symbols You May Need

∓

Minus Plus

\mp

Multiplication

\times

Division

\div

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