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I’m not being funny but it can be both.
Square root is an operator that maps a number to the positive number that when squared returns the original number, but there is also a square root symbol.
Similarly, % can be an operator that maps a number x to x/100, but there’s also a percent symbol.
It just depends if you’re talking about functions or fonts.
Let’s not forget that it’s also the symbol for modulo operation. So many opportunities for ambiguity!
I thought they meant modulo actually
The difference between you and the people this meme is about is you understand that both space or no space are fine.
For more context, I was trained to use a space between a number and its unit (e.g. 2 mol, 3 g, 1 M) for scientific writing. This includes the % sign when it follows a number (i.e. 100 %). So percent yields would be reported as 78 % instead of 78%. On the flip side, units that contain the % sign would not use a space. For example, mol% and wt% would not use a space to separate the % sign from the rest of the unit (i.e. 2 mol%).
Since I was taught this from the very beginning of university, I never really questioned where the convention came from. Now, I work for a PI who does not use the space for %. Every time I write something (presentations, manuscripts, etc.), they clarify that % is a mathematical operator so there is no space. After a search to defend my position, I found the SI brochure from the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures that clearly states the use of a space.
Recently in group meeting, while talking about something kind of related to units, they said that I believe there should be a space for %. I quickly clarified (and showed the SI brochure as evidence) that I do not “believe” there should be a space; this isn’t something I have created in my mind. Finally, they said that since it is their lab any manuscripts must follow their convention. Now when I write, I write my way and change it when I self edit before sending it to my PI.
5 % 2 = 1
Freaking hell even ddg search gives that answer.
don’t forget to make the space non-breaking :D
Thank you for your comment! I had no idea what this meant, but I just looked it up. I will now be sure to use a non-breaking space from now on and look out for a number and its unit on different lines.
what is the difference between an operator ane a function? is there any? one could argue that the common operators are just common useful functions and thus there is no reason why % is not one of them
edit I thought you meant modulo operator not percent
Yes, it was only after the comments mentioned modulo operator that I realized the % symbol has many meanings across different disciplines. I was coming from a chemistry perspective, and I should have specified from the beginning.
Let the operator m be such that x m = (1 metre)x
And since it’s a function with one argument we can interpret the exponent to mean repeated application.
xm³=x(1 meter)(1 meter)(1 meter)
xm³=x(1 meter)³
It all checks out.