Backtick and caret symbols

To finish the unit we will cover the backtick ` and the caret ^ symbols.

The backtick is often used in programming or markdown (like code blocks). The caret is used in math for exponents (e.g. 2^3) or as a control character notation.

On a standard keyboard, the backtick shares a key with the tilde ~ (top left), and the caret is above the number 6.

Use the image below to locate them:

Press the backtick key alone (top-left). For the caret, hold Shift and press 6.

Please note that both backtick and caret are tricky, sometimes pressing it alone does not produce any character until you press another key. This is called a dead key. In that case, press the backtick or caret followed by space to get the character.

Here is the animation:

Let's do two final drills.