how do I insert a not equals sign

I don't think that you can get it directly on the iPad's keyboard (I can't find it), but you could copy and paste it from, for example : http://www.fileformat.info/info/unicode/category/Sm/list.htm

You could also set up a keyboard shortcuts/text replacements for symbols that you regularly use : Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement

Probably doesn't help you right now, but this is possible with BT and external keyboards. For example, on my iPad Pro with the Logitech Create keyboard, option+equals gives me a not equal to (eg. ≠). It also works with my Logitech BT keyboard on my iPad Air 2.

DocEM wrote:

I feel that Apple needs to address this issue too. Being able to press onto the = sign so that alternatives become available would be the best solution. Sadly, this is not yet available.

There a large number of 3rd party keyboards you can install, and one of them may have that.

To ask Apple to add the feature you want, you can use

http://www.apple.com/feedback

You can copy from this post ≠ (You're welcome)

paste it as a short term one off fix.

But, for those who would like a more permanent patch-ish fix for IOS this works

Need to get to your text replacements and make a new shortcut via: system preferences >general> keyboard >text replacements.

From there, you can add a new shortcut (use the "+ " sign in upper right corner to add one.) Now simply set the phrase for 2 regular equal signs back to back and you can "paste" in the previously copied symbol for the shortcut to be used in its place. Voila!

So now tell your college english lit professor you are switching to a mathematics major for proving an unsolvable problem

2= = 1≠

Well done. One good deed deserves another. Since I borrowed your not equals sign I'll share some text replacements I gathered over the years.

 ɪ ✞ ÷ ẞ ⓘ μ ≠ ﯔ ² ¶;

When people ask "How do I print...?" I ask for a copy to see if text replacement will print it.

This worked perfectly.

Thank you :]