The Mathematical Symbol "Asterisk Operator (∗)"
The ∗ Symbol in Mathematics: The Asterisk Operator
The ∗ symbol, commonly recognized as an asterisk, serves various purposes in mathematics and adjacent fields. Often called the "Asterisk Operator", its application ranges from conventional multiplication to more specialized uses in different mathematical contexts. This article delves into two primary uses of the asterisk operator, accompanied by two illustrative examples for each category.
1. Standard Arithmetic
Within arithmetic and elementary mathematics, the ∗ typically symbolizes multiplication.
- Example 1: When denoting the multiplication of 5 and 4, one could represent it as \(5 ∗ 4 = 20\).
- Example 2: Multiplying two variables, such as \(a\) and \(b\), can be illustrated as \(a ∗ b\).
2. Advanced Mathematical Contexts
Beyond elementary arithmetic, the asterisk assumes various roles in specialized areas of mathematics.
- Example 1: In function analysis, the asterisk can denote the convolution of two functions. If \(f\) and \(g\) are functions, their convolution might be denoted as \(f ∗ g\).
- Example 2: In complex conjugation, the asterisk signifies the complex conjugate of a number. For instance, if \(z\) is a complex number, its conjugate could be represented as \(z^∗\).
In summary, the ∗ symbol is versatile within the mathematical realm, marking operations from basic multiplication to specialized applications in advanced topics. Recognizing its context is vital to understand its intended use.
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Codes for the ∗ Symbol
| The Symbol | ∗ | |
| Alt Code | Alt 8727 | |
| HTML Code | ∗ | |
| HTML Entity | ∗ | |
| CSS Code | \2217 | |
| Hex Code | ∗ | |
| Unicode | U+2217 |
How To Insert the ∗ Symbol
(Method 1) Copy and paste the symbol.
The easiest way to get the ∗ symbol is to copy and paste it into your document.Bear in mind that this is a UTF-8 encoded character. It must be encoded as UTF-8 at all stages (copying, replacing, editing, pasting), otherwise it will render as random characters or the dreaded �.
(Method 2) Use the "Alt Code."
If you have a keyboard with a numeric pad, you can use this method. Simply hold down the Alt key and type 8727. When you lift the Alt key, the symbol appears. ("Num Lock" must be on.)(Method 3) Use the HTML Decimal Code (for webpages).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: ∗</b> | My symbol: ∗ |
(Method 4) Use the HTML Entity Code (for webpages).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: ∗</b> | My symbol: ∗ |
(Method 5) Use the CSS Code (for webpages).
| CSS and HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
|
<style> span:after { content: "\2217";} </style> <span>My symbol:</span> | My symbol: ∗ |
(Method 6) Use the HTML Hex Code (for webpages and HTML canvas).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: ∗</b> | My symbol: ∗ |
| JavaScript Text |
|---|
|
const x = "0x"+"E9" ctx.fillText(String.fromCodePoint(x), 5, 5); |
| Output |
∗ |
(Method 7) Use the Unicode (for various, e.g. Microsoft Office, JavaScript, Perl).
The Unicode for ∗ is U+2217. The important part is the hexadecimal number after the U+, which is used in various formats. For example, in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint), do the following:| Type | Output |
|---|---|
| 2217 [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | ∗ (The 2217 turns into ∗. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
| JavaScript Text | Output |
|---|---|
| let str = "\u2217" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: ∗ |