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In mathematical notation, do the "lower dots", i.e. $A, B,\ldots , K$ have a different meaning than the "centered dots", i.e. $A, B, \cdots, K$?

For instance, is it the case that lower dots are used for, say, sets such as $\{A, B, \ldots, K \}, $ while the centered dots are used for things like multiplication of terms, such as in $A\cdot B\cdot \cdots \cdot K$? Or can they be used interchangeably?

The accepted answer from this question would suggest that they can be used interchangeably, but that lowered dots are typically used after commas, whereas centered dots are used after mathematical operations. However, since I find the lowered dots more aesthetically pleasing, I want to know if it is correct or in stark opposition to notational decency to use the lower dots anyway.

Phil
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  • $A\cdot B\cdot \ldots \cdot K$ looks strange to me – Henry Jan 17 '19 at 10:43
  • In ordinary text, an ellipsis is used to indicate omitted material which the writer might not expect the reader to guess from the context. In maths, sometimes the context makes it clear what the omitted material is, and sometimes it doesn't. Can we use the typographical difference to indicate the difference in meaning? – Rosie F Jan 17 '19 at 10:48
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    It's just that $a,b,\ldots,z$ and $a+b+\cdots+z$ look nicer than $a,b,\cdots,z$ and $a+b+\ldots+z$. There's no difference in meaning. – TonyK Jan 17 '19 at 10:50

1 Answers1

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It is just a matter of aesthetics. Personally, I find it quite unaesthetic to see $a_1\times a_2\times\ldots\times a_n$, compared with $a_1\times a_2\times\cdots\times a_n$. But there is nothing wrong with it.

José Carlos Santos
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