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A looped form resembling an open alpha, stating a constant ratio.
Also known as: Varies as, Open alpha
∝ states that two quantities keep a constant ratio: doubling one doubles the other. It says nothing about what the constant is, which is precisely why it is used when the constant is unknown or irrelevant.
Is encoded as U+221D PROPORTIONAL TO in the Mathematical Operators block.
Contexts: Mathematics
States that two quantities stand in a constant ratio, so that a change in one produces a proportional change in the other.
Contexts: Mathematics
Deliberately withholds the constant of proportionality, which is what makes it useful when the relationship matters and the constant does not.
Contexts: Mathematics
A single stroke forming a closed loop on the left and running out to the right in a shallow curve, resembling a Greek alpha whose right-hand stroke has been opened out.
The proportionality sign is drawn like an alpha with its right stroke opened out.