# Math Help - Differing Notations

1. ## Differing Notations

I was originally born in Switzerland, and then I moved to Australia. Along with the change, I found the difference in symbols used quite different (and sometimes ambiguous)

For example, the multiplication symbol.
$a \times b$ (both) VS $a \cdot b$ (Switzerland) VS $a.b$ (Australia)

Also, the "improper" fraction to be avoided, and instead use the (ambiguous) 1 and 1/2.
$1 \frac{1}{2}$ (Australia) VS $\frac{3}{2}$ (Switzerland)

And lastly, and most confusing, the decimal symbol (I'm showing three thousand and forty five point seven)
$3.045,7$ (Switzerland) VS $3,045.7$ (English) VS $3,045\cdot7$ (Australia)

I was just wondering whether any of these is standardised worldwide, or whether they are all equally valid. And what do you use?

2. Originally Posted by Enedrox
I was originally born in Switzerland, and then I moved to Australia. Along with the change, I found the difference in symbols used quite different (and sometimes ambiguous)

For example, the multiplication symbol.
$a \times b$ (both) VS $a \cdot b$ (Switzerland) VS $a.b$ (Australia)

Also, the "improper" fraction to be avoided, and instead use the (ambiguous) 1 and 1/2.
$1 \frac{1}{2}$ (Australia) VS $\frac{3}{2}$ (Switzerland)

And lastly, and most confusing, the decimal symbol (I'm showing three thousand and forty five point seven)
$3.045,7$ (Switzerland) VS $3,045.7$ (English) VS $3,045\cdot7$ (Australia)

I was just wondering whether any of these is standardised worldwide, or whether they are all equally valid. And what do you use?
"when in Rome ..."

you know the rest of the saying.