For 2-D Math
In general, the best practice is to enter a multiplication symbol (*) for multiplication in any calculation. In some cases, you can instead insert a space character between two quantities to multiply them. This is called implicit multiplication.
For a product containing integers and decimals, implicit multiplication can be used only if the number occurs in the left-most position in the product. For products of numbers, use explicit multiplication (), entered by using the asterisk (*) symbol on your keyboard. However, you can use implicit multiplication for products containing fractions.
Example 1
Valid
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Not valid
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To fix the error, insert a multiplication symbol between the two quantities instead of a space.
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Valid
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Example 2
Not valid
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To fix the error, insert a multiplication symbol between the two quantities instead of a space.
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Valid
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=
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Valid
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All of the errors shown in these examples are due to the rule that a number cannot appear as the right-hand operand of an implicit multiplication operation. In such cases, use of explicit multiplication (*) can avoid the error. For more information, see 2DMathDetails.
Tip: Troubleshooting your mathematics is easier if you use explicit multiplication symbols.