TeXipedia

varDelta

Represents a capital delta symbol with a more upright, variable-style appearance, commonly used to denote change or difference in mathematical expressions.

Overview

Serves as an important variant of the standard Delta symbol, particularly useful in mathematical contexts where a distinct visual style is needed to differentiate variables from operators.

  • Frequently used in physics to represent changes in quantities or state variables
  • Common in thermodynamics for indicating variations in energy or entropy
  • Appears in mathematical proofs and equations where a variable-style capital delta is preferred over the standard form
  • Often employed in contexts where multiple types of delta notation are needed to maintain clear distinction between different uses

Examples

Representing change in a physical quantity, commonly used in physics equations.

ΔE=mc2\varDelta E = mc^2 
\varDelta E = mc^2

Denoting the Laplace operator in vector calculus.

Δf=∂2f∂x2+∂2f∂y2\varDelta f = \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial y^2} 
\varDelta f = \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial y^2}

Indicating a discriminant in quadratic equations.

Δ=b2−4ac\varDelta = b^2 - 4ac 
\varDelta = b^2 - 4ac