latex

How to Write and Use a Division Symbol in LaTeX

The division symbol is essential in defining a specific condition in mathematics and physics. This symbol comprises a dot above and below a horizontal line written something like (÷). Whether you are writing simple or complex equations, the division symbol is required to complete them. That’s why document processors like LaTeX provide simple source codes to write the division symbols. In this tutorial, we will explain how you can write and use division symbols in LateX.

How to Write and Use a Division Symbol in LaTeX?

In LaTeX, you do not require any packages to write a division symbol because it only requires the following source code:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
$$ \div  $$
\end{document}

Output

Let’s take an example in which we will divide 56 by 7 to get the 8 in the output:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
$$ 56\div 7=8 $$
\end{document}

Output

Division and fractions are different symbols to represent the division between two quantities. Hence, please don’t get confused between them, as the fraction requires the following source code:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
$$ \frac{56}{7}=8 $$
\end{document}

Output

Write Long Division Symbol in LateX

In mathematics, long division is required to show the complete calculation. So you can use the following source code to create the long division symbol:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
$\phantom{)}$
${\overline{\smash{\big)}\,\phantom{)}}}$
\end{document}

Output

The following example illustrates how you can represent an entire long division:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
108564$\phantom{)}$\\
3${\overline{\smash{\big)}\,325692\phantom{)}}}$\\
$\underline{-~\phantom{(}3\phantom{-b)}}$\\
025692$\phantom{)}$\\
$\underline{-~\phantom{()}24}$\\
001692$\phantom{)}$\\
$\underline{-~\phantom{()}15}$\\
000192$\phantom{)}$\\
$\underline{-~\phantom{()}18}$\\
000012$\phantom{)}$\\
$\underline{-~\phantom{()}12}$\\
00$\phantom{)}$\\
\end{document}

Output

Conclusion

In mathematical expressions, we must use the division symbol to represent the divisibility between two quantities. This tutorial explains how to write and use division symbols in LaTeX.

About the author

Prateek Jangid

A passionate Linux user for personal and professional reasons, always exploring what is new in the world of Linux and sharing with my readers.