period key not work on my mac with OS Big Sur

Thanks Tom et al , the apple link helped me understand the keyboard viewer a little better What I am working with primarily is an older Apple numeric usb keyboard Model A1314 that seems to be the culprit. That does have a period key in the numeric section that is functional but the one I use instinctively is not producing a period or a less than symbol, so I am guessing its a dead key issue. Incidentally my bluetooth wireless apple keyboard and magic mouse have no problem at all I was just postponing buying a second bluetooth keyboard since the mac purchase itself put me in the poor house for a while I will get one now and put this usb keyboard aside It will still be good to trouble shoot those rare situations when bluetooth goes innactive If you have any work arounds for a usb numeric keyboard then I am open to trying things, but I have tried a lot and so don't truely need for this to work, just curious why it didn't.Thanks - Dan Nic

Thanks P Phillips, I am guessing the older apple numeric keyboard model A1314 is ready to be replaced and relegated to minimal use (only when a usb connected keyboard is needed to troubleshoot. Most of the keys are functional for that end its just tthe period and less than combo to theleft of the question mark backward slash key that is not working. Probably a dead key. The problem persisted on all apps with this particular keyboard. Thanks for your offer of help. Dan