TeXipedia

cdotp

Represents a centered dot operator used for multiplication or to separate items in mathematical expressions.

Overview

Provides a more formal alternative to the standard multiplication symbol, appearing slightly higher than a regular period and perfectly centered on the math axis.

  • Commonly used in professional mathematical typography where a centered dot is preferred over the multiplication cross (×).
  • Particularly useful in expressing scalar products, set operations, and function composition.
  • Often seen in advanced mathematics and physics notation where subtle distinctions in operator placement matter.
  • Distinguished from \cdot by its smaller size, making it ideal for delicate mathematical expressions where spacing is critical.

Examples

Using centered dot for multiplication in an equation.

x⋅y=zx \cdotp y = z 
x \cdotp y = z

Centered dot separating terms in a sequence.

a1⋅a2⋅a3⋅⋯⋅ana_1 \cdotp a_2 \cdotp a_3 \cdotp \cdots \cdotp a_n 
a_1 \cdotp a_2 \cdotp a_3 \cdotp \cdots \cdotp a_n

Using centered dot in vector dot product notation.

u⃗⋅v⃗=u1v1+u2v2+u3v3\vec{u} \cdotp \vec{v} = u_1v_1 + u_2v_2 + u_3v_3 
\vec{u} \cdotp \vec{v} = u_1v_1 + u_2v_2 + u_3v_3