The plus-minus sign (±) is a mathematical symbol commonly used either
- to indicate the precision of an approximation, or
- to indicate a value that can be of either sign.
The sign is normally pronounced "plus or minus". In experimental sciences, the sign commonly indicates the confidence interval or error in a measurement, often the standard deviation or standard error. The sign may also represent an inclusive range of values that a reading might have. In mathematics, it may indicate two possible values: one positive, and one negative. It is commonly used in indicating a range of values, such as in mathematical statements.
Read more about Plus-minus Sign: Minus-plus Sign, Encodings, Similar Characters
Famous quotes containing the word sign:
“The man of genius, like a dog with a bone, or the slave who has swallowed a diamond, or a patient with the gravel, sits afar and retired, off the road, hangs out no sign of refreshment for man and beast, but says, by all possible hints and signs, I wish to be alone,—good-by,—fare-well. But the Landlord can afford to live without privacy.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)