The letter x is not a multiplication sign

The letter x is not a multiplication sign. Use the times sign (×) to denote multiplication:

Notice how the proper multiplication sign is aligned with other mathematical operations signs. Using x in place of × is as sloppy as using programmer’s quotes (") in place of actual quotes (“...”). Also, when you write 5x, it means 5 multiplied by x or 5×x. Probably, not what you were trying to say.