Compare the possible meanings
| Notation | Typical meaning | How to identify it |
|---|---|---|
3 × 4 | Arithmetic multiplication | Human-facing arithmetic |
a · b | Scalar product or multiplication | Meaning must be clear |
a*b | Programming multiplication | Source code and calculators |
2x | Juxtaposition | Algebraic coefficient |
Examples
- A 3×4 matrix uses × to describe dimensions.
- u·v may denote a dot product.
- Most programming languages require a*b.
How to decide
Choose the symbol that matches the destination and does not conflict with a variable such as x.
How to verify the interpretation
Paste the expression into the target editor and confirm both rendering and semantic interpretation.