The plus sign (+) is most commonly associated with addition, but its origin can be traced back to various symbols and concepts. Among the options you've listed:
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The x for unknown numbers: While the letter "x" is often used in algebra to represent unknowns (popularized by René Descartes in the 17th century), it is not directly related to the origin of the plus sign.
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The ampersand (&): The ampersand represents the word "and" and has its own unique origins, primarily stemming from the Latin word "et." While it's a combination of letters, it is not directly correlated with the development of the plus sign.
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When two people shake hands, their hands criss-cross: This is a more metaphorical interpretation. The criss-crossing of hands could visually resemble the formation of a "+" shape, but it is not a documented or recognized origin of the plus sign's development.
The plus sign itself is thought to have evolved from the Latin word "et," meaning "and," which was often used in conjunction with addition in arithmetic contexts. The symbol may have also drawn from older symbols used to signify addition in various cultures. Thus, while the criss-crossing hands may provide a creative visualization of addition, it doesn't hold historical validity as an inspiration for the plus sign's development.
In conclusion, among your options, none is a historically documented inspiration for the plus sign, but the ampersand's use of "and" does tangentially connect to the concept of addition.
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