Backwards 3: How to Type “Ɛ”? Most Easiest Ways Ever!

Maybe you just came across this wonderful symbol in your book or elsewhere, which left you shocked and sparked your curiosity to find out what it’s all about.

Okay fine. Most people use this symbol in mathematics and physics for different purposes. However, people now use it for a different purpose (beyond studies), which we are gonna discuss below.

In this guide to the backwards 3, I will explain what this symbol is, how to type it on various devices, where people use this symbol outside of mathematics and physics, its origin, and everything you need to know about the Epsilon symbol. Get ready for an exciting ride; things are about to become intriguing, and so much fun is ahead!

What is backwards 3 or reversed 3 “Ɛ”?

The Symbol that looks like a reversed three “Ɛ” is called the lowercase Epsilon symbol. This symbol is a Greek letter, just like the Pi symbol. People generally use it in Physics, Mathematics, and engineering to represent various concepts, such as the empty set in set theory, the mathematical constant for small quantities in calculus, and as a placeholder in formal language theory.

Nowadays, people use this symbol to type “Ɛ>”, which looks like a heart, and consider it a sign of love. The real name of this symbol is Epsilon, but it’s been given many names today, including flipped 3, reversed 3, inverted 3, 3 mirrored, upside down 3, and obviously, backwards 3!

I myself call it “backwards 3” because of its softness, ease of saying, and calm sound compared to others. Below, I will break it down and discuss its purpose, where it can be used, and where people use this wonderful symbol.

So, roll up your sleeves and be with me, because we’re gonna do a deep dive into the world of this beautiful symbol.

Epsilon or Backwards 3 Copy Paste “Ɛ” (works for all devices)

There are many ways to type this symbol, and we’ll discuss many of them below. The easiest way is simply to copy and paste it, and we’ll discuss it first. Before we get into it, copy the Flipped 3 symbol from below and follow the next steps to keep it in your phone’s keyboard.

After copying from this button, click on the clipboard option. As shown in the picture below.

Now you will see all the texts you copied earlier, including the flipped 3. Now hold the symbol for 2 or 3 seconds; you’ll see 3 options. Tap on “Pin”.

The symbol will now be pinned to your phone’s clipboard. Now you can paste it anywhere, any time. The pinned symbol won’t leave its place until you unpin it.

Moreover, you can bookmark this page (I’d appreciate it). Whenever you need to type this symbol next time, you can land here and copy it from the above-given button.

How to type Reversed 3 “Ɛ” on Android or iPhone?

Smartphones are in every pocket today, especially among teenagers. Knowing the method to type the backwards three sign is so much fun, whether on Android or iPhone, because you can send hearts “Ɛ>” to anyone in a unique way. The process is basically the same for each one, with minor differences due to different OS. Let’s get into it.

For Android:

Open your phone’s keyboard and hold down the Space button. On the pop-up that appears, you’ll see your listed languages keyboard, plus a Language settings option. Tap it.

Once in, tap Add keyboard.

Then search for Pontic Greek. Tap on it and click done, and it’ll be added to your keyboard.

Now, whenever and wherever you need to type the backwards 3 symbol, just hold the space button, and all your selected languages will appear in a pop-up. Tap on Pontic Greek and you’ll see this keyboard (look at the image below). And here you can clearly see it.

For iPhone:

Head to your iPhone’s settings > General > keyboard > keyboards and tap the Add New Keyboard button.

Now search for Greek and tap on it. The Greek keyboard will be added to your phone’s keyboard.

Now open the Notes app to test if the reversed 3 symbol has appeared. When the keyboard is opened, hold the world icon in the bottom left; it’ll show all the languages you’ve added. Tap on Ελληνικά.

It’ll open the Greek keyboard. Start typing something, and you’ll see the upside down 3 at first in the first row. And there you have it! That’s it!

This is the most straightforward, uncomplicated way to type it. Get it on your keyboard, make a heart/love sign “Ɛ>” and send it to your loved ones. It will bring a smile to their face as you’re showing your love for them in a new and exciting way!

How to Type Backwards Three “Ɛ” On Windows?

Tighten your seatbelts, as I’m now moving on to break down multiple methods to type this catchy Greek symbol “Ɛ” on Windows:

Using Character Map

As I stated earlier, there are multiple ways to jot down the backwards three symbol, for Windows too, and here’s one of them. Now I’ll show you how to write it using the Character Map. First, you must have the Character Map opened on your desktop or laptop.

Okay. First, click on the Windows icon, or you can see the search bar near the Windows icon. Click on it and search for “Character map”.

Upon clicking “Character map”, a pop-up with a lot of symbols will appear.

Once appeared, check the “Advanced view” option. As shown in the picture below.

It’ll help access additional options. The following picture illustrates the concept. Please select “Unicode” next to the “Character set:” dropdown. Now, you gotta select “Windows: Greek”. As shown in the picture below.

Next, you will see a lot of new symbols. The reversed 3 will be on the list, too. As shown in the picture. Tap it and hit the select button.

It’ll put the backwards three symbol in the box next to the “Characters to copy:” section. Now press the “copy” button to copy it.

Using Alt Code to Type the Backwards 3 Symbol “Ɛ”

Another way kicks off here. This method lets you easily type the reversed 3 using your computer or laptop’s keyboard. It’s pretty easy (and so fast) if you understand it properly and practice it at least once. Let’s get gazing.

Press and keep the Alt key down, enter 238 using the number pad, then let go of the Alt key. And done! The backwards three symbol will surely be inserted within the blink of an eye.

Using MS Word Processor

Another method has its turn here. This method is particularly for typing the lowercase epsilon symbol in Microsoft Word. This method lets you type it without touching your keyboard. Here begins the step-by-step guide.

Launch Microsoft Word and tap the “Insert” tab found within the primary menu.

Focus on the symbol option situated in the upper right-hand corner. Click on the “symbols” and you will see just a few symbols in the drop-down.

If you can’t see the reversed three there, select “More symbols.” Then you’ll see a pop-up with a lot of symbols.

Select the “Cyrillic Supplement” subset, and there you have it. Now you can see the reversed 3 on the pop-up screen. As soon as you click on the symbol and hit insert, it will be documented on your document.

Now, if you want to type it using an Alt code in MS Word, you’ve got a specific Alt code for it. Time for the steps:

• First of all, open a new file in Microsoft Excel, Word, MS Word, or whatever you call it.
• Now, write what you had to, and when you need to put the Epsilon symbol, type “0190” and then click “ALT + X”.
• Congratulations!🥳 Now the “Ɛ” is on your screen. Yeah!

Emoji Panel

This method is non-tricky, too, just like others. Push and keep the Windows key down on your keyboard, then hit the “>” key. A pop-up will appear. Now tap on the icon that, upon hovering, says “Symbols”.

A new window will appear. Now drag right until you encounter Latin symbols.

Once there, just keep scrolling and you’ll surely find the epsilon, the backwards 3 symbol.

How to Type Inverted 3 “Ɛ” on Mac?

Tighten your seatbelts, as I’m now moving on to break down multiple methods to type this catchy Greek symbol “Ɛ” on Mac:

Using Character Viewer

This method is similar to the Character Map in Windows, as the name suggests, Character Viewer. Let’s now get the Character Viewer opened on your Mac first. Then, hit Control, Command, and Space simultaneously. It’ll bring up the following pop-up. Now tap the little icon you see in the top right corner:

Then you’ll have a new pop-up. Now simply head over to Math symbols from the list on the left. And just right there, you’ll clearly see the symbol you’ve been after.

Using MS Word Processor

It’s a fast, straightforward method that can be done in less than a minute. Open MS Word on your Mac and tap Insert from the top bar. Then look to the right side, and you’ll find a button labeled “Advanced Symbol.” Hit it.

Which will then bring up a pop-up. Within the first view, you’ll see the backwards three sign right here:

Just click the symbol and then the Insert button on the pop-up, and you’ll have it documented right where your Insert Text Cursor is. If you can’t see the symbol within the first view, explore Font, and you’ll surely find it.

How to Type Reversed Three on Google Docs?

Here’s another way to jot it down. Though the methods above work fine, I want you to learn multiple approaches so that if you forget one, you’ll remember the others.

Everyone knows that Google Docs exists on both Windows and Mac. So, this approach breaks down the method to type the mirrored 3 symbol in Google Docs.

First, open a new Google Docs in Chrome and click on the insert option.

A list of options will appear then. Now click on “Special characters.” If it’s not there, click on Symbols > Special characters.

Now you’ll see a new pop-up on your screen with a search bar on the right. Type “Epsilon” in it.

On the left-hand side, you will see many characters similar to the mirrored 3. Click on the one that feels right or the one I’ve shown in the image below. Just a click on the symbol will insert it exactly where your caret is.

The Unicode Method

Unicode works the same way on both Windows and Mac systems. There is no different Unicode method for typing the backwards 3 symbol on Windows vs. Mac. So, here’s a separate heading for the Unicode method to avoid confusing you by repeating the same instructions for each system. Here you go:

First, open Notepad and type 03B5, then hold down the Alt key and press “X.” The “ε” symbol will be inserted immediately.

Where is the Upside Down 3 “Ɛ” Used

People all over the globe have been using this symbol in mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. Here’s a full description of the use of backwards 3 in these fields.

In Mathematics

The reversed 3, in maths, is used to represent a small positive quantity, and sometimes it is used in set theory to represent a set with no elements. It is fundamental in calculus for defining limits and continuity, where it represents an arbitrarily small positive number in epsilon-delta proofs.

In Physics

In physics, it’s used to represent permittivity. Permittivity is a characteristic of a substance that delineates its reaction to an electric field. In thermodynamics, epsilon can also represent efficiency ratios or emissivity of materials.

In Computer Science

In Computer Science, inverted 3 is used to represent an empty string, a string with no characters. It’s also widely used in formal language theory and automata to denote epsilon transitions in finite state machines. In algorithm analysis, it represents small error parameters in approximation algorithms.

In Engineering

In numerical analysis, the upside down 3 refers to a small positive number that can be represented by a computer’s floating-point system. Engineers use epsilon as a convergence criterion in iterative methods and optimization algorithms to determine when a solution is sufficiently accurate. It’s also employed in control systems to represent small disturbances or noise levels in signal processing.

So, these were the concise, straightforward definitions of the use of reversed 3 across various fields. I hope I’ve explained most simply.

Nowadays, a lot of people use the Epsilon symbol to make a heart “Ɛ>,” especially the generation Z, to express their loving feelings in a unique, beautiful way.

So, what stops you from sending it to your partner? Copy it now from the above, and send it over. Enjoy! 😉

Some People Say Mirrored 3 “Ɛ” Looks Like the Letter “E.” Is it true?

Yes! You heard that right. The lower-case epsilon, the backward 3, is 85-90% similar to an E. Only the corners are curved. If you bend it straight, it will look like an “E”. If we talk about the capital epsilon, it 100% looks like an E, though it’s a different letter.

Some people think that the Epsilon symbol is a lowercase upside-down E. But that’s not quite right. Actually, it’s a Greek letter, and it came in this shape by flipping the 3. Some students literally call it the math symbol that looks like an E.

In Closing

In conclusion, it’s not just a mathematical or scientific notation; it has become a symbol of love, a modern-day emblem used to express affection. It’s transformed into “Ɛ>,” a heart symbol that has captured the hearts of many, especially of the younger generation.

You can type it on various devices using different methods, and we’ve covered almost all of them above. Whether you want to copy and paste it for work, for fun, or were just curious to know more about it, I hope you found this guide no less than a goldmine.

So, the next time you want to add a unique touch to your messages, surprise your friends, or express your love in a novel way, remember the lower-case Epsilon. It’s more than just a symbol; it’s a versatile character that bridges the worlds of science and emotion. Copy it, share it, and spread the love! 😊

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