How to redefine \times such that it shows dot (from \cdot) instead?

Question

I'm trying to integrate emac's calc package (especially calc-embedded) into my work flow.

Basically, I'm manipulating / solving equations in calc, and then exporting results into LaTeX / org files. (It's really great, I highly recommend calc)

However, one thing really bugging me is: calc (with latex display mode) uses \times symbol for multiplication. I much much prefer \cdot instead.

I tried to fix this by customizing calc's display mode, but no avail. (link).

It seems, changing \times with \cdot from latex side seems to be the easier option.

Basically my question: how to redefine \times such that every time \times comes up, latex uses dot (from \cdot). And after this redefinition, is it possible to re-use x (from original \times)?

I am not familiar with emac (nor its calc package), so this might be totally wrong: What about \let\oldtimes\times and \let\times\cdot? Then \times should give a centered dot and \oldtimes a cross. — Οὖτις, Mar 22 '23 at 06:54
@Οὖτις, I think you're right, it's working. Thank you for your answer, Please write your comment as a answer, so I can close this question. — Garid, Mar 22 '23 at 07:05

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 22 '23 at 07:15

The following code will allow you to get a centered dot via \times and a centered cross via \oldtimes. Further reading on why I used \let: What is the difference between \let and \def?

\documentclass{article}
\let\oldtimes\times
\let\times\cdot
\begin{document}
    [   a\times b = c   \qquad   a\oldtimes b = c   ]
\end{document}

How to redefine \times such that it shows dot (from \cdot) instead?

1 Answers1