mp

Represents the mathematical minus-plus (∓) symbol used to indicate the negative of plus-or-minus in mathematical expressions.

Overview

Serves as the complementary operator to the plus-minus symbol (±), commonly appearing in mathematical contexts where both positive and negative alternatives need to be expressed concisely.

Essential in expressing multiple solutions to equations, particularly when paired with ±
Frequently used in physics and engineering for expressing measurement uncertainties or error bounds
Appears in mathematical proofs and derivations where parallel expressions with opposite signs need to be shown
Useful in presenting simplified forms of complex mathematical expressions with multiple terms

Examples

Expressing a value with both positive and negative uncertainty.

x = 5.0 \mp 0.3

x = 5.0 \mp 0.3

Writing the solutions to a quadratic equation.

x = -b \mp \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}

x = -b \mp \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}

Showing alternating terms in a mathematical series.

1 \mp \frac{1}{2} \mp \frac{1}{4} \mp \frac{1}{8} + \cdots

1 \mp \frac{1}{2} \mp \frac{1}{4} \mp \frac{1}{8} + \cdots