The keyboard symbols
^ caret – circumflex
In Luxembourgish m̂ n̂ can be used to indicate nasalisation of a vowel. Also, the circumflex can be over the vowel to indicate nasalisation. In either case, the circumflex is rare.
In geometry it means angles
In mathematics, the circumflex is used to modify variable names; it is usually read “hat”, e.g., is “x hat”. The Fourier transform of a function ƒ is often denoted by . In geometry, a hat is sometimes used for an angle.
Equivalency sign – tilde ~
1) In mathematics, the tilde (~) stands for equivalence; for example, a ~ b means “a is equivalent to b” (not equal, but comparable). It also stands for approximation. Officially written as two tildes, one over the other, the single tilde has become acceptable; for example, ~100 means “approximately 100.”
Section sign §
t’s most frequently seen in legal documents (alongside the pilcrow), when citing numbered or lettered sections and statutes:
Please refer to document A, § 122.
A section mark is followed by a number, so it’s a good idea to use a nonbreaking space right after it, to make sure that the symbol and the number don’t end up separated on two different lines. When referring to multiple sections, it is necessary to double up:
Please refer to document A, §§ 122-125.
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