> The asterisk was used by Johann Rahn (1622-1676) in 1659 in Teutsche Algebra
Interesting. I've always thought that the use of an asterisk to denote multiplication was some sort of compromise owing to the lack of a "×" key on a typical computer keyboard. But it seems that there are much older precedents for it.
Meanwhile, using a slash to denote division is explained in the Fractions page.
> The diagonal fraction bar (also called a solidus or virgule) was introduced because the horizontal fraction bar was difficult typographically, requiring three terraces of type. An early handwritten document with forward slashes in lieu of fraction bars is Thomas Twining's Ledger of 1718 ...
Interesting. I've always thought that the use of an asterisk to denote multiplication was some sort of compromise owing to the lack of a "×" key on a typical computer keyboard. But it seems that there are much older precedents for it.
Meanwhile, using a slash to denote division is explained in the Fractions page.
> The diagonal fraction bar (also called a solidus or virgule) was introduced because the horizontal fraction bar was difficult typographically, requiring three terraces of type. An early handwritten document with forward slashes in lieu of fraction bars is Thomas Twining's Ledger of 1718 ...