/
| Symbol | Format | Data |
|---|---|---|
| / | Code Point | U+002F |
| TeX | / |
|
| SVG |
The forward slash operator is used to represent the division operator when entering an expression into the computer. For example, the forward slash symbol is used in the expression below.
12 / 3
In plain language, this means “divide the expression 12 by the expression 3”.
The backward slash symbol "\" is primarily used in computing and programming as an escape character. In mathematics, it can be used to denote set difference or to separate lines in a multiline equation or matrix in LaTeX.
When entering an equation into a calculator or the computer the forward slash is used to represent division.