Optimal Value x Star x⋆

Semantic identity and intent

Characters to distinguish

• ≂ — Minus Tilde Relation
• ≄ — Not Asymptotically Equal To
• ≇ — Not Congruent To

Use x⋆ in the right format

Meaning and usage

Marks an iterated or optimal value in numerical analysis and optimization.

Define the iteration index or optimality convention before using the compact symbol in an algorithm.

Pronunciation: optimal value x star

Formula examples

How to type Optimal Value x Star

Windows

Use Character Map or enter U+0078 + U+22C6 in a Unicode-aware application.

macOS

Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.

Microsoft Word

In an equation, type x^\star and press Space when Word supports the command.

iPhone and iPad

Copy and paste x⋆, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.

Android

Copy and paste x⋆, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.

Google Docs

For plain text, paste x⋆ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify x^\star.

Excel

Paste x⋆ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.

Common mistakes

• Preserve grouping, operator order, and spacing around x⋆; Define the iteration index or optimality convention before using the compact symbol in an algorithm.
• For plain text, copy x⋆ as U+0078 + U+22C6; for structured equations, use x^\star in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Optimal Value x Star.

When to use x⋆

• Use x⋆ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+0078 + U+22C6.
• Use x^\star in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
• Define the local meaning when Optimal Value x Star is used in optimization with a field-specific convention.

Look-alikes and related characters

• ≂ — Minus Tilde Relation
• ≄ — Not Asymptotically Equal To
• ≇ — Not Congruent To

Font and compatibility notes

Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.

Review and source notes

Quality tier: catalog

Last reviewed: 2026-07-23

Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.

Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.

Reference sources

• The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
• Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.

Frequently asked questions