The plus-minus symbol (\pm) is a mathematical operator used to indicate that a value can be either positive or negative. Statistics, engineering, physics, and mathematics all frequently use it. Writing academic papers, calculations, and professional documents requires knowing how to correctly type and format this sign in LaTeX.
This symbol is frequently used in:
The plus-minus symbol has the following LaTeX syntax:
\pm
x = 5 \pm 2
Rendered output:
[ x = 5 \pm 2 ]
Used in quadratic equations:
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
[ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} ]
Represents limits and approximations.
Used in interval notation.
Measurement uncertainties and errors:
10.5 \pm 0.2 \text{ cm}
Expressing energy levels in quantum mechanics.
Used in tolerances for components:
50 \pm 1 \text{ mm}
Represents confidence intervals and error margins.
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
Rendered output:
[ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} ]
Inline:
$x = 5 \pm 2$
Display Mode:
\[ x = 5 \pm 2 \]
Solution: Ensure you are in math mode using:
$...$ or \[ ... \]
Solution: Use \, for manual spacing adjustments.
\raisebox{} to adjust symbol positioning, \mp may disappear. $...$or
\ensuremath{}.
\raisebox{1pt}{$\mp$}
OR
\raisebox{1pt}{\ensuremath{\mp}}
\pm, \mp, x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}, 10.5 \pm 0.2 \text{ cm}
Use:
\scalebox{size}{\pm} from the graphicx package.
Use:
\bm{\pm} from the bm package.
Simply use:
\pminside tabular or array environments.
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A preview tool for embedded code or an interactive LaTeX compiler such as Overleaf can be used to verify LaTeX symbols in real time.