∖
Math Operator 23
- Unicode
- U+2216
- Category
- Math
- HTML Entity
- ∖
- CSS
- \2216
The ∖ symbol, officially known as Set Minus, is a mathematical operator used to indicate the difference between two sets. While it looks very similar to a standard keyboard backslash, it is specifically designed with proper typographic spacing for mathematical equations. It is primarily used in set theory notation—such as A ∖ B, meaning elements present in set A but not in set B—and advanced technical writing.
How to Type
- Windows
- Alt+8726 or Win+. then search 'set minus'
- macOS
- Control+Command+Space then search 'set minus'
- Linux
- Ctrl+Shift+U then 2216
- HTML
- ∖ or ∖
In Programming
In LaTeX, this symbol is generated using the '\setminus' command to ensure proper mathematical spacing. In standard programming syntax, developers use the regular backslash (\) for file paths or escape characters, reserving the Unicode Set Minus strictly for rendering displayed math.
Tags
A minus B math
LaTeX setminus
U+2216
backslash
backslash vs set minus
exclusion
logic notation
math set notation
mathematics
relative complement
set difference
set minus
set theory symbol