LaTeX Plus or Minus (±) - Complete Guide
The plus or minus symbol (±) indicates two possible values.
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Plus or Minus
LaTeX Code
No package required
\pmPlus or minus
What is the LaTeX Plus or Minus?
Used to denote that a value can be either positive or negative, commonly in formulas with two solutions.
How to Use Plus or Minus in LaTeX
Method 1: Using \pm
✅No package required
Plus or minus
Example: Using \pm
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
% Using the Plus or Minus
Text with \pm
\end{document}Common Use Cases
The Plus or Minus symbol is commonly used in the following contexts:
Quadratic Formula
Two solutions from quadratic formula.
Code
$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$Output
x = (-b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a
Complete Examples
Quadratic Solutions
Plus minus in solutions
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
The solutions are $x = 1 \pm \sqrt{2}$.
\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: Plus or minus
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.
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