If you’re looking for how to type a backward 3 (also known as a flipped 3 or reversed 3), then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll show you how to type a backward 3 in just one easy step.
Copy-Paste Backward 3
The easiest way is to simply copy-paste below:
Ɛ
Alt Code Backward 3
There’s also the Alt Code option, available on Windows, which is:
Type 0190 and press ALT-X
This will convert it into reverse E or “Ɛ” symbol.
Other Methods of Typing a Backward 3
We’ll cover a couple alternative methods.
Microsoft Word document
One method is to open a Microsoft Word document:
- Select Arial or Times New Roman font.
- Click on the Insert tab at the top of the document.
- Click on symbols
- Scroll up and down to find the similar symbol to backward 3 or Ɛ
Then you’ll be able to type it.
Google Doc
The Google Doc method is good for Mac because the Alt Code option isn’t available on Mac, nor is there any computer shortcut.
- Open Google Docs
- Click on the Insert tab at the top of the document
- Click on the special symbol option (a new window will pop up)
- Search for the backward 3 / epsilon / Ɛ symbol from the available list. There are many symbols to choose from, so look carefully. Once located, you should be able to type and use it on your screen.
How to type the backward 3 on iPhone
There is no flipped 3 symbol on iPhone so you’ll have to copy-paste:
Ɛ
How to type the backward 3 on Android
Like iPhone, there’s no reversed 3 symbol on Android, so you’ll have to copy-paste from below:
Ɛ
What does a backward 3 with a line in it mean?
This is an ampersand (&), which is often drawn like a reversed 3 with a line down the middle.
This is a shorthand for “and” and will be seen occasionally and for stylistic purposes, such as Ben & Jerry’s.
Why is a backward 3 used?
A flipped 3 is often used to make a heart – <3 – but using a greater than “>” sign preceded by a reversed 3 – Ɛ>.
There are other reasons, as well, as we’ll cover below:
Backward 3 in academia (math, physics, sciences)
Backward 3 is known as epsilon in mathematical and scientific notation.
It is the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet and used to represent various constants in mathematical equations, such as a small quantity or a very close value to zero.
The lowercase epsilon symbol (ɛ) is often used in calculus and physics to represent an infinitesimally small change in something.
In set theory, backward 3 is used to denote the empty set: Ɛ = {}. In other words, it’s a set with no elements. It is often known as variant epsilon.
In statistics, epsilon is often used as an error term, which is typically a small number.
What is Epsilon? Explain Epsilon, Define Epsilon, Meaning of Epsilon
Backward 3 in astrology/astronomy
The name “Epsilon Tauri” comes from the Greek letter ε (epsilon), which is used to designate it as the third-brightest star in the constellation of Taurus.
Backward 3 in business/economics
In business and economics, epsilon is often used as a measure of risk. It is also sometimes used to represent market share or brand equity.
For example, if Company A has a market share of 10% and Company B has a market share of 20%, then we can say that Company B has twice the market share of Company A, or B:A = 2:1.
Backward 3 is also sometimes used to refer to the “80/20 Rule” or the “Pareto Principle,” which states that 80% of outcomes (or results) come from 20% of causes (or inputs).
In other words, a small number of inputs or factors are responsible for the majority of outputs or results.
The Pareto Principle is named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who first observed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population.
This principle can be applied to many different areas, such as business, economics, health, productivity, and more.
