The multiplication sign (×), often attributed to William Oughtred, apparently had been in occasional use since the mid 16th century.

 

Can be read as (times) or (multiply by)

 

When used in a equation can be replaced by brackets or numbers and unknown writing by each other or a dot

 

1.  3(5)＝15

2.  2x=4

        x=2

3.   6●3=1