Infinity Symbol ∞

The infinity symbol, represented by the mathematical symbol ∞, is a captivating and profound concept that transcends the boundaries of mathematics and extends into philosophy, spirituality, and beyond. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the origins, mathematical significance, cultural interpretations, and real-world applications of the infinity symbol.

Origin of the Infinity Symbol

The infinity symbol has a rich history, and its origins can be traced back to the 17th century. The symbol, resembling a sideways figure-eight, was first introduced by mathematician John Wallis. Wallis used it to represent an unbounded quantity or an undefined concept that goes on indefinitely.

Mathematical Significance

In mathematics, the infinity symbol is used to represent an infinitely large quantity or an unbounded process. It is often encountered in calculus, where limits and infinite series play a crucial role. For example, the concept of limits is essential in understanding the behavior of a function as it approaches infinity or as it approaches zero.

Infinity in Set Theory

Infinity is a fundamental concept in set theory, a branch of mathematical logic. Mathematicians distinguish between different sizes of infinity, leading to fascinating notions such as countable and uncountable infinities. The work of Georg Cantor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revolutionized our understanding of infinite sets.

Cultural Interpretations

Beyond mathematics, the infinity symbol has found its way into popular culture, philosophy, and art. It is often used to represent eternal love, unity, and interconnectedness. The symbol's graceful design and endless loop make it a powerful and versatile icon in various contexts.

Spiritual and Philosophical Significance

In spiritual and philosophical contexts, the infinity symbol is sometimes associated with concepts of eternity, immortality, and the interconnected nature of all things. It embodies the idea that certain aspects of existence are boundless and beyond our finite understanding.

Real-World Applications

The concept of infinity has practical applications in fields such as physics, where it is used to describe the behavior of certain physical phenomena. For example, in the study of black holes, the concept of an event horizon implies an infinite gravitational pull at a specific point.

Usage in HTML

To include the infinity symbol in HTML, you can use the corresponding HTML entity:

<p>This is the infinity symbol: &#8734;</p>

The infinity symbol, with its profound mathematical roots and diverse cultural interpretations, serves as a bridge between the abstract world of mathematics and the rich tapestry of human experience. Whether encountered in a calculus equation, a piece of art, or a symbol of eternal love, the infinity symbol invites contemplation and sparks curiosity about the infinite possibilities that surround us.

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Infinity Symbol Information

Symbol Name Infinity
Unicode Version 1.1 (June 1993)
Unicode U+221E
CSS Code \221E
HTML Entity &infin;
Hex Code &#x221E;
HTML Code &#8734;
Latex \infty

Infinity Symbol Encoding

UTF-8 0xE2 0x88 0x9E
UTF-16 0x221E
UTF-32 0x0000221E


Infinity symbol's PNG and SVG files


How to type infinity symbol in latex

Copy \documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\infty
\end{document}

How to add infinity symbol via keyboard on different Operating systems

You can type the infinity on most modern devices with the help of following methods:

How to type infinity symbol on Microsoft Word

You can type the infinity on microsoft Microsoft Word using steps mentioned below:

  • Place your cursor in the text area where you need to insert the symbol and type 2 2 1 E
  • Without moving the cursor press keys Alt + x together
  • The original 2 2 1 E is now transformed into ∞

How to type infinity symbol on Microsoft Windows

You can type the infinity on Microsoft windows using following steps:

  • Hold Alt and press to type infinity on your windows machine.

How to type infinity symbol on Mac OS

You can type the infinity on Mac OS using following steps:

  • Place your cursor in the text area where you need to insert the symbol
  • Press Ctrl + ⌘ Command + ⎵ Space to bring up the Character Viewer. Alternatively, choose Edit ⇒ Emoji & Symbols
  • Type “Infinity” in the search field at the top and press Enter
  • The symbol should appear. Click on it to insert it into your text
  • How to type infinity symbol on Mac OS
    How to type infinity symbol on Mac OS

How to type infinity symbol on Linux

You can type the infinity on Linux using following steps:

  • Place your cursor in the text area where you need to insert the symbol
  • Hold ⇧ Shift + Ctrl and press the letter + U
  • Press keys 2 2 1 E consecutively
  • And then press ↵ Enter , the desired symbol will be added to your document

How to type infinity symbol on IOS and Android

The easiest way to type the infinity on ios and android is to copy and paste it wherever you need it.


How to use infinity in CSS

Copy // css example
span {
content: "\221E";
}

How to type infinity in HTML

Copy // html example
<span>&#8734;</span>

Infinity symbol representation in programming languages

infinity's representation in different programming languages can be found in table below:

Language Representation
Rust \u{221E}
Ruby \u{221E}
Python \u221E
PHP \u{221E}
Perl "\x{221E}"
Java \u221E
Modern JavaScript - Since ES6 \u{221E}
JavaScript \u221E
Go \u221E
C# \u221E
C and C++ \u221E
Bash and Zsh - inside echo -e \u221E
RFC 5137 \u'221E'
No Result
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