# Hypertext Help with LaTeX
Binary and relational operators

Some "math" symbols are obtained by typing the corresponding keyboard character. Examples include

     + - = < >

Note: plus, minus, and equal sign may be used in either text or math mode, but < and > are math mode only (they produce inverted exclamation and question marks, respectively, in text mode).

The following commands may be used only in math mode.

- `\pm` plus or minus sign
- `\mp` minus or plus sign
- `\times` times (an "x")
- `\div` divided by sign
- `\ast` an asterisk (centered)
- `\star` a five-point star (centered)
- `\bullet` a bullet
- `\circ` an open bullet
- `\cdot` a centered dot (see also, `\cdots`)

- `\leq` less than or equal to
- `\ll` much less than
- `\subset` is a subset of
- `\geq` greater than or equal to
- `\gg` much greater than
- `\equiv` equivalence symbol
- `\sim` similar to
- `\simeq` similar or equal to
- `\approx` approximately equal to
- `\neq` not equal to
- `\per` "perpendicular to" symbols
- `\propto` proportional to

Note that "greater than" and "less than" are obtained simply by entering `>` and `<`.

A slash, indicating "not" can be placed through a symbol (or a letter) with the `\not` command. For example, not less than is

      \not<

and not less than or equal to is

     \not\leq

If the slash isn't properly positioned it can be moved by putting a math mode spacing command between the `\not` and the symbol.

Related topics:

- Arrows
- Delimiters
- Greek letters
- Miscellaneous symbols
- Variable size symbols (sums, integrals, etc.)

See also Math Formulas, Math Symbols
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