GlyphIndexDirect proportionality
y ∝ x means y = kx for a fixed k.
The constant is fixed over the domain being discussed.
Proportional-to sign
The proportional-to sign ∝ leaves a constant unstated: y ∝ x means y = kx for a fixed k over the range being discussed.
PROPORTIONAL TO
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Character details
♡→✦
3 code pointsMeaning and context
The proportional-to sign ∝ leaves a constant unstated: y ∝ x means y = kx for a fixed k over the range being discussed.
How to use it
Follow the shorthand with a definition such as y = kx when the relationship must be computed. State which quantities remain constant.
Examples
Circle area
A ∝ r² for circles
Area scales with the square of radius; the constant is π.
Similar shapes, different characters
Infinity
U+221EThe open shape of ∝ is not the closed infinity symbol.
DetailsEquals sign
U+003DAn equality supplies the full expression, including any constant.
Sources and method
- Unicode 18.0.0 character database — Pinned standard character identities and properties; the application computes UTF encodings from the original text.
- Unicode character code charts — Reference glyphs are not a guarantee of the appearance in a user’s font.