Symbols:Number Theory/Deprecated Symbols/Divisor

Divisor

$x \mid y$

This means $x$ is a divisor of $y$.

The symbol $\mid$ has been (or is in the process of being) superseded by $\divides$, which is becoming increasingly popular since many mathematicians are of the opinion that $\mid$ is overused, and hence a possible cause for confusion.

The $\LaTeX$ code for \(\mid\) is \mid .

Also known as

In the context of computer languages, $\mid$ is frequently called pipe from its use in Unix.

This name is catching on in general mathematics.