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| − | '''Multiplication''' is a mathematical operation. Multiplication of positive integers is the same as repeated addition. You multiply two numbers together; that is, multiplication is always performed on two ''operands,'' which in this case are known as the ''multiplicand'' and the ''multiplier.'' The result is a third number, the ''product.'' | + | In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' is the repeated [[addition]] of [[whole numbers]] or [[integers]]. |
| | + | :For example, <big><math>3\times 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6</math></big> |
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| − | *3 times 2 = 2 added three times = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.
| + | The result of a multiplication is the ''product''. The numbers which are multiplied together are called ''factors''. |
| − | This also works the other way:
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| − | *2 times 3 = 3 added two times = 3 + 3 = 6.
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| − | 2 x 3 = 3 x 2, regardless of the order of the operands. It is said that multiplication is [[commutative]].
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| − | Multiplication is sometimes confusing because the symbol for multiplication is very similar to the letter x; but the letter x can also stand for a variable in algebra, as in "solve for x." | + | In this context, it is also one of the most well-known [[commutative]] operations: It yields the same result, regardless of placement of numbers. |
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| | + | :For example <big><math>3\times 2 = 2\times 3</math></big>. |
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| | + | Multiplication also possesses the [[associative property of multiplication|associative property]]. |
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| | + | The opposite of multiplication is [[division]]. |
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| | + | == Properties of Multiplication == |
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| | + | * Multiplying any number by 1 yields that same number again. E.g. <math>8\times 1 = 1</math> |
| | + | * Multiplying any number by 0 yields 0. E.g. <math>7\times 0 = 0</math> |
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| − | In printed material, slightly different symbols are used for the letter x and the multiplication symbol ×. Sometimes, in mathematics, a centered dot is used to stand for multiplication:
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| − | :3 · 2
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| − | :a · b
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| − | :6.022 ·10<sup>23</sup>
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| − | In algebra, quantities may simply be juxtaposed (written next to each other) without any symbols, to indicate multiplication. In this expression, 2ab means 2 times ''a'' times ''b''.
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| − | :a<sup>2</sup> + 2ab + b<sup>2</sup>
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| | ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| | *[[Multiplication Property of Equality]] | | *[[Multiplication Property of Equality]] |
| − | *[[Math]] | + | *[[Arithmetic]] |
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| − | [[Category:Algebra]] | + | [[Category:Arithmetic]] |