TeXipedia

centerdot

Represents multiplication or dot product operations with a centered dot that aligns naturally with mathematical text.

Overview

Provides a more elegant and mathematically appropriate alternative to standard multiplication symbols, particularly in formal mathematical writing and academic publications.

  • Commonly used in linear algebra for dot products between vectors
  • Preferred in professional mathematics for indicating multiplication between variables
  • Often appears in physics equations to separate terms clearly
  • Maintains better vertical alignment compared to the standard dot operator
  • Particularly useful in expressions involving matrices and vectors where clear operator distinction is crucial

Examples

Representing scalar multiplication between vectors.

u⃗⋅v⃗=∑i=1nuivi\vec{u} \centerdot \vec{v} = \sum_{i=1}^n u_i v_i 
\vec{u} \centerdot \vec{v} = \sum_{i=1}^n u_i v_i

Indicating multiplication in a chemical reaction equation.

2H2⋅O2→2H2O2H_2 \centerdot O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O 
2H_2 \centerdot O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O

Showing composition of functions.

(f⋅g)(x)=f(g(x))(f \centerdot g)(x) = f(g(x)) 
(f \centerdot g)(x) = f(g(x))