# normal high asterisk in equation mode

I was looking back at some of the equations that I had written and noticed that the asterisks weren't behaving how I was expecting it to (I also understand that my expectations may differ from other users).

The point is, I'm trying to get Q* but instead I get something like this Q✶. I've tried using the caret (^) for superscript but it looks awfully small.

Does anyone know a way to get the asterisk to behave as if it is in the normal text environment while in the equation mode?

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The text asterisk is raised, while the math asterisk is used for denoting an operation; \mbox{*} or \text{*} if you load amsmath will do. But in general $Q^{*}$ is preferred. – egreg Jun 9 '12 at 12:17
would that work if I needed it in equation mode?, i.e. $$....$$ – Reuben L. Jun 9 '12 at 12:20
\mbox does it. thanks! just copy your comment as an answer and i will accept it. – Reuben L. Jun 9 '12 at 12:22

The text asterisk is raised, while the math asterisk is used for denoting an operation.

You can use \mbox{*} or \text{*} (if you load amsmath).

However, in general $Q^{*}$ is preferred.

You can get the behavior automatically:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

%%% magic code starts
\mathcode*=\string"8000
\begingroup
\catcode*=\active
\xdef*{\noexpand\textup{\string*}}
\endgroup
%%% magic code ends

\begin{document}
$a^{\ast} Q*$
\end{document}


I've added \ast that is the usual math asterisk for a comparison.

I'd recommend using the first form.

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