The "Multiplication Sign (×)" Symbol in Mathematics (2024)

The Mathematical Symbol "Multiplication Sign (×)"

homesitemapsymbolsmultiplication sign

The × Symbol in Mathematics: Multiplication Sign

The realm of mathematics is replete with symbols, each bearing its own significance. One of the most recognizable and widely used symbols is the ×, commonly referred to as the "Multiplication Sign". This article provides insight into the use and importance of the × symbol, along with pertinent examples.

Usage

The × symbol straightforwardly denotes multiplication, an elementary arithmetic operation. It signifies the operation of finding the total of one number taken a specified number of times. This symbol is ubiquitously used in various levels of mathematics, from basic arithmetic to higher-order calculations.

Examples

  • Example 1: Basic Arithmetic: If you have 3 groups of 4 items each, the total number of items can be calculated as:
    3 × 4 = 12
    Here, the × symbol denotes the multiplication of 3 and 4.
  • Example 2: Algebraic Expressions: Multiplication is often implied in algebra, but the × symbol can be used for clarity, especially when dealing with numbers and variables together. For instance:
    2 × x × y = 2xy
    The × symbol makes the multiplicative relationship between the terms explicit.

In summary, the × symbol is foundational in mathematics, representing the multiplication operation. Its common nature ensures that it remains a staple in mathematical notation, facilitating clear communication and understanding across various mathematical contexts.

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Codes for the × Symbol

The Symbol×
Alt CodeAlt 0215
HTML Code×
HTML Entity&amptimes;
CSS Code\00D7
Hex Code×
UnicodeU+00D7

How To Insert the × Symbol

(Method 1) Copy and paste the symbol.

The easiest way to get the × symbol is to copy and paste it into your document.

Bear in mind that this is a UTF-8 encoded character. It must be encoded as UTF-8 at all stages (copying, replacing, editing, pasting), otherwise it will render as random characters or the dreaded �.

(Method 2) Use the "Alt Code."

If you have a keyboard with a numeric pad, you can use this method. Simply hold down the Alt key and type 0215. When you lift the Alt key, the symbol appears. ("Num Lock" must be on.)

(Method 3) Use the HTML Decimal Code (for webpages).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &#215;</b>My symbol: ×

(Method 4) Use the HTML Entity Code (for webpages).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &times;&lt/b>My symbol: ×

(Method 5) Use the CSS Code (for webpages).

CSS and HTML TextOutput
<style>
span:after {
content: "\00D7";}
</style>
<span>My symbol:</span>
My symbol: ×

(Method 6) Use the HTML Hex Code (for webpages and HTML canvas).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &#x00D7;&lt/b>My symbol: ×

On the assumption that you already have your canvas and the context set up, use the Hex code in the format 0x00D7 to place the × symbol on your canvas. For example:

JavaScript Text
const x = "0x"+"E9"
ctx.fillText(String.fromCodePoint(x), 5, 5);
Output

×

(Method 7) Use the Unicode (for various, e.g. Microsoft Office, JavaScript, Perl).

The Unicode for × is U+00D7. The important part is the hexadecimal number after the U+, which is used in various formats. For example, in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint), do the following:

TypeOutput
00D7
[Hold down Alt]
[Press x]
×
(The 00D7 turns into ×. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.)

In JavaScript, the syntax is \uXXXX. So, our example would be \u00D7. (Note that the format is 4 hexadecimal characters.)

JavaScript TextOutput
let str = "\u00D7"
document.write("My symbol: " + str)
My symbol: ×

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FAQs

The "Multiplication Sign (×)" Symbol in Mathematics? ›

The multiplication sign (×), also known as the times sign or the dimension sign, is a mathematical symbol used to denote the operation of multiplication, which results in a product. While similar to a lowercase X (x), the form is properly a four-fold rotationally symmetric saltire.

What is the multiplication symbol in math? ›

Use the multiplication sign (×), not the letter x, to indicate the mathematical operation.

What is the code for the multiplication sign? ›

“×” U+00D7 Multiplication Sign Unicode Character.

Why do some people use a dot for multiplication? ›

We multiply things a lot in math, and mathematicians like to be efficient when they write. The dot (it's actually called an "interpunct" to be more specific) is so simple and short to write, that's probably why we use it instead of another symbol.

What is the multiplication symbol logic? ›

Multiplication Symbol

It is represented using a cross and written as (×). In above example, we use × to represent multiplication operation. We also use the dot operator (⋅), and asterisk sign (*) sign to represent multiplication.

What is the term symbol multiplication? ›

The term symbols can be determined directly from multiplying the individual term symbols. Multiplication of terms A and B is written as A⊗B. For 2S⊗2S, this gives L = 0 and S = 0 or 1. This gives the term symbols 1S and 3S.

What is the multiplication symbol in system? ›

When typing on a Windows PC, click to the place in your document where you would like to insert the multiplication symbol. Next, hold the Alt key and, using your numeric keypad, type the numbers 0215.

What is multiplication in code? ›

The multiplication assignment ( *= ) operator performs multiplication on the two operands and assigns the result to the left operand.

Who invented the multiplication symbol? ›

HISTORIANS of mathematics attribute the first use of the cross x as a symbol for multiplication to William Oughtred (“Clavis Mathematicae”, London, 1631).

What is the identifier for multiplication? ›

The multiplicative identity of a real number is 1. When we multiply 1 by any real number then we get the same number.

Does the dot in math mean multiply or divide? ›

In some countries, such as Germany, the primary symbol for multiplication is the "dot operator" ⋅ (as in a⋅b). This symbol is also used in compound units of measurement, e.g., N⋅m (see International System of Units#Lexicographic conventions).

What is the dot multiplication called? ›

The dot product, also called scalar product, is a measure of how closely two vectors align, in terms of the directions they point. The measure is a scalar number (single value) that can be used to compare the two vectors and to understand the impact of repositioning one or both of them.

What is the difference between multiplication and dot multiplication? ›

You should also note that multiplication of real numbers and dot products are fundamentally different in the sense that multiplication of two real numbers gives you back a real number, whereas the dot product of two vectors in general does not give you back a vector of the same space, but a real number (or an element ...

What is the math symbol for multiply? ›

the symbol (⋅), (×), or (∗) between two mathematical expressions, denoting multiplication of the second expression by the first. In certain algebraic notations the sign is suppressed and multiplication is indicated by immediate juxtaposition or contiguity, as in ab.

What is the code for the multiplication symbol? ›

× | multiplication sign (U+00D7) @ Graphemica.

What does a dot above a letter mean in math? ›

An "overdot" is a raised dot appearing above a symbol most commonly used in mathematics to indicate a derivative taken with respect to time (e.g., ). The expression. is voiced " dot," and was Newton's notation for derivatives (which he called "fluxions").

What is the multiplication symbol on a keyboard? ›

You can type the multiplication sign (×) on a PC keyboard using the following key combination: On Windows: Hold down the Alt key and type 0215 on the numeric keypad.

What is the product symbol? ›

The second symbol is the product symbol. It's a capital Greek letter called pi. It's written like this: ∏ and can be called as "product notation".

What is PEMDAS in math? ›

The order of operations (PEMDAS) is essential for solving complex math problems. PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (same level), and Addition and Subtraction (same level).

Is asterisk multiplication? ›

Answer and Explanation:

In mathematics, the asterisk symbol * refers to multiplication. For example, consider the following expression: 7 * 6.

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