Symbols:Arithmetic and Algebra/Division

Division

$\div$, $/$

$x \div y$ and $x / y$ both mean $x$ divided by $y$, or $x \times y^{-1}$.

$x / y$ can also be rendered $\dfrac x y$ (and often is -- it tends to improve comprehension for complicated expressions).

$x \div y$ is rarely seen outside grade school.

Their $\LaTeX$ codes are as follows:

The $\LaTeX$ code for $x \div y$ is x \div y .

The $\LaTeX$ code for $x / y$ is x / y .

The $\LaTeX$ code for $\dfrac {x} {y}$ is \dfrac {x} {y} .

The division sign $\div$ is also known as a obelus.

The $/$ sign is known as the solidus.

The division sign $\div$ first appeared in print in $1659$ in Teutsche Algebra by Johann Heinrich Rahn.

The solidus sign $/$ was recommended by Augustus De Morgan in $1845$ as a way to simplify the printing of fractions.