TeXipedia

dotsm

Represents multiplication dots in a horizontal sequence, indicating a pattern of multiplication between terms.

Overview

Provides a clean and mathematically appropriate way to show multiplication between multiple sequential terms, particularly in algebraic expressions and series notation.

  • Commonly used in summations and products to indicate multiplication between consecutive terms
  • Preferred over regular dots (\dots) when specifically denoting multiplication
  • Essential in mathematical writing where precise notation matters, especially in algebra and number theory
  • Often appears in expressions involving indexed variables or matrix operations

Examples

Multiplication of sequence elements with centered dots.

x1x2xnx_1 x_2 \dotsm x_n
x_1 x_2 \dotsm x_n

Product of matrices with centered multiplication dots.

A1A2An=IA_1 A_2 \dotsm A_n = I
A_1 A_2 \dotsm A_n = I

Chain of group elements with centered multiplication dots.

g1g2gkGg_1 g_2 \dotsm g_k \in G
g_1 g_2 \dotsm g_k \in G