Symbols:Arithmetic and Algebra/Division
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Division
- $\div$, $/$
A binary operation on two numbers or variables.
$x \div y$ and $x / y$ both mean $x$ divided by $y$, or $x \times y^{-1}$.
$x / y$ can also be rendered $\dfrac x y$ (and often is -- it tends to improve comprehension for complicated expressions).
$x \div y$ is rarely seen outside grade school.
Their $\LaTeX$ codes are as follows:
- The $\LaTeX$ code for \(x \div y\) is
x \div y
. - The $\LaTeX$ code for \(x / y\) is
x / y
. - The $\LaTeX$ code for \(\dfrac {x} {y}\) is
\dfrac {x} {y}
.
Also known as
The division sign $\div$ is also known as a obelus.
The $/$ sign is known as the solidus.
Historical Note
The division sign $\div$ first appeared in print in $1659$ in Teutsche Algebra by Johann Heinrich Rahn.
The solidus sign $/$ was recommended by Augustus De Morgan in $1845$ as a way to simplify the printing of fractions.
Sources
- 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): division sign
- 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): division sign
- 2021: Richard Earl and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (6th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Appendix $19$: Symbols and abbreviations: Real and Complex Numbers