What it means
Between numbers, × is multiplication. Between vectors it is the cross product, a vector at right angles to both, and is read "cross". It also writes dimensions, as in a 3 × 4 matrix, read "3 by 4".
Read aloud in real formulas
3 × 4 = 12
Aethel says
3 times 4 equals 12
multiplication
F = q(E + v × B)
Aethel says
F equals q times the quantity E plus v cross B
the cross product of velocity and magnetic field
Typing it
- LaTeX
- \times
- Unicode
- U+00D7
Formulas that use it
Questions
How do you say × out loud?
It is usually read “times”, and also “cross”.
What does × mean in maths?
Between numbers, × is multiplication. Between vectors it is the cross product, a vector at right angles to both, and is read "cross". It also writes dimensions, as in a 3 × 4 matrix, read "3 by 4".
How do you type ×?
In LaTeX, write \times. Its Unicode code point is U+00D7.