Mathematical Italic Small Y 𝑦

Visual Description: The symbol is a small lowercase y styled in mathematical italics. It has a slender stem with a gentle rightward slant. The form matches other italic variables, designed to stand out from digits and operators. In math editors, it reads as a variable used in equations and graphs.

Meaning & Usage: It commonly represents a variable, often the dependent quantity in a function like y = f(x). In equations, it stands for a value awaiting substitution or for a measured outcome. In education and notation, it helps distinguish variables from constants.

Historical Background: Mathematical italic letters emerged to separate variables from numbers in print and typesetting. The Mathematical Alphanumeric Symbols set provides consistent forms across fonts and platforms. These designs aim for clean spacing in dense formulas, so editors keep the y shape similar to other italic letters.

Practical Use: In formulas, calculators, and graphing tools, y often denotes the output of a function or a dependent variable. Quick UI controls let you insert the symbol, switch its style, or compare results by labeling traces and sliders with y. It helps keep math readable during rapid exploration and teaching.

See our category page for related symbols.

Look‑alikes: y (U+79).

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