Maybe you've noticed this interesting symbol or heard people talking about it. Now, you're eager to learn more.
Certainly, lots of people use this symbol in math and physics for different reasons. But nowadays, it's being used for something else, which we'll discuss shortly.
This guide about the reverse 3 will explain what this symbol is, how to type it on various devices, where it's used beyond math or physics, its origin, and all the important details about Epsilon. Get set for an exciting journey; things are about to get intriguing.
Backwards 3 or Reversed 3 – “Ɛ” Defined
The symbol that looks like a backward “3” is commonly known as the Epsilon symbol “Ɛ”. It originated in Greek culture and finds its use in fields like Physics, Math, and engineering. It serves various purposes such as representing the empty set, denoting small quantities, or acting as a placeholder in formal language.
Today, people often type the symbol “Ɛ” by using a backward 3, which resembles a heart and is frequently associated with love. Originally named Epsilon, it has acquired different monikers like reversed 3, inverted 3, flipped 3, backward 3, and mirrored 3.
I prefer to call this symbol the “backward 3” for its simplicity in both pronunciation and usage. Now, let's delve into why it's used, its applications, and where you might encounter it.
Get ready to explore this fascinating symbol with me!
Type “Ɛ” by copying and pasting Epsilon or Backwards 3
There are various methods to type this symbol, and we'll discuss them all. The simplest method is to copy the epsilon symbol. First, I'll demonstrate how to copy the Flipped 3 symbol, and then you can paste it wherever needed.
After copying the epsilon, share it with your friends. They'll be amazed and curious about how you did it. Let's spark their interest.
For mobile users, press and hold the symbol until a pop-up appears, then choose “Copy”: Ɛ
- Once you've copied the symbol, tap on the clipboard icon. Refer to the image below for guidance.
- You'll see all the text you previously copied, including this flipped 3. Hold the symbol for 2 or 3 seconds, and you'll get three options. Click on “Pin.”
The symbol is copied to your phone's clipboard. You can paste it wherever and whenever you want. It remains there until you unpin it.
Typing the Backwards Three “Ɛ”
I've previously mentioned different methods to write a backward three-heart emoji. Now, I'll introduce another method: using the character map. To access it, follow these steps:
- Click on the Windows button located at the bottom left corner, or find the search bar next to the Windows icon and click on it.
- Type “Character map” in the search bar and hit enter.
Once you've clicked on “Character map,” a window displaying various symbols will appear.
If you see a pop-up, select “Advanced view” as shown in the image
When you select “Advanced view,” you'll see more options. Refer to the image for clarity. Select “Unicode” next to “Character set,” and then pick “Windows: Greek” from the dropdown menu. This is illustrated in the image below.
After selecting “Windows: Greek,” you'll notice some new symbols, including the Flipped 3. Simply tap on the reversed 3 as shown in the picture, then press select.
First, click the select button. Next, you'll see the backward heart emoji appear just before the “Characters to copy:” section. Once it's visible, simply press the “copy” button to copy it.
Typing the Backwards 3 Symbol “Ɛ” using the Alt Code
Here's an easy way to type a backward 3. You can do this on your computer or laptop. It's simple once you learn and try it. Let's give it a shot.
Follow these steps:
- Start by opening a new document in Microsoft Word or Excel.
- Write your sentences as you like.
- To type the Epsilon symbol, type “0190” and then press “ALT + X”.
- Great job! Now you'll see “Ɛ” on your screen. That's all there is to it!
Typing Inverted 3 “Ɛ” in a Word Processor
Here's a different method. I'll teach you how to type the Epsilon symbol in MS Word.
Before, I showed how to type a backward three in MS Word. But with this method, you can type it without touching any keys on your keyboard. Let's get started with the steps.
First, open Microsoft Word on your computer. Then, go to the “Insert” tab in the main menu.
Look up to the symbol option in the top right corner. Click on “symbols” and locate a small list of symbols there.
If the backwards 3 isn't visible, click on “More symbols.” A window will show up with lots of symbols.
Select the “Cyrillic Supplement” category. You'll find the backward 3 symbols on the screen. Click on it, then press Insert to add it to your document.
Typing Inverted 3 “Ɛ” on Mobile
Android and iPhone are popular among billions of users for their numerous features. However, neither of them provides a direct method for typing the “Epsilon symbol.”
As mentioned before and still my firm belief, the most efficient and straightforward approach is to copy the “Flipped 3” symbol from the button above and store it in your phone's clipboard.
By doing so, you can easily create a heart symbol “Ɛ>” and share it with your loved ones. This unique way of expressing affection is sure to bring them joy.
Typing Inverted 3 “Ɛ” on Windows or Mac
Typing a reversed heart emoji on Windows or Mac is simple. You can use the Character Map on either system. In Microsoft Word, you can enter a mirrored 3 using Alt Code. All steps for both methods are explained earlier.
Here's another way to explain it. Let me show you a different approach to type the flipped 3 symbol. I want you to learn all the methods so you'll remember at least one if you forget the others.
You can add a heart symbol in Word using this method. Let's begin the process now.
Start by opening a new Google Docs document in your Chrome account. Then, choose the “insert” option.
Afterward, a dropdown menu will appear. Select “special character” from this menu.
After clicking “special characters,” a window will appear. You'll see a search bar there. Type “Epsilon” into the bar.
Glance left, find characters, and notice the “mirrored 3.” Select it and it goes right into your document.
Reversed three “Ɛ” Purpose
In the past, people used the symbol for math, physics, computers, and engineering. Here's why “mirrored 3” is used in these areas:
Engineering
In numerical analysis, the backward 3 symbol signifies a tiny positive number that a computer's floating-point system can display.
Physics
In physics, epsilon, the backward 3, denotes permittivity. Permittivity describes how a substance reacts to an electric field.
Mathematics
In math, the backward 3 or epsilon symbol represents a small positive number or an empty set. It's also called the E math symbol.
Computer Science
In computer science, the backward 3 symbol represents a string without any letters.
Nowadays, many people use the symbol Ɛ to create heart shapes and express love. It's particularly popular among Generation X for showing affection to loved ones.
Does the flipped 3 “Ɛ” resemble the letter “E”?
Yes, the backwards 3 is quite similar, around 85%-90%. When flipped, only the edges are rounded. If straightened, it looks like an “E” or an upside-down 3.
Some people think the epsilon symbol is just a lowercase flipped “E,” but they're wrong. Actually, the mirrored 3 is a Greek letter made by flipping the normal 3. It's also used as an “E” symbol in math.
What language uses the symbol “backwards 3”?
The backward 3, written as “Ɛ” in old Greek scripts, has evolved to appear as “Ɛ>” over time. It's connected to showing love and originated from writing styles in the Middle Ages.
