Multiplication Poll: * or · or something else?

[walter b]

(04-12-2014 12:56 PM)David Hayden Wrote:  The problem with "∙" on a key is that it can be confused with the decimal point (at least in countries that use a dot). And the problem with × (multiply sign) is that it can be confused with the letter x. So maybe * is the best choice.

Maybe it will turn out that way.

For the time being, there are at least two sets in common use:

1. Decimal point, multiplication ×, division ÷
2. Decimal comma, multiplication •, division :
   

And there are internationally agreed fixed symbols (hurrah!!) for additions, subtractions, for dot (scalar) products and cross products.

Maybe we should use a third set for the two common arithmetic operations: multiplication * and division / ? It's quite spread in programming languages ...
And it's clearly visually differentiable - another advantage. Just compare:

1. 1.2 + - × ÷ • ×
2. 1,2 + - • : • ×
3. + - * / • ×
   

d:-)