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In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' may be defined as repeated addition of whole numbers ([[integers]]).  

In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' may be defined as repeated [[addition]] of [[whole numbers]] or [[integers]].  

:For example, <big><math>2\times 3 </math></big> (spoken as "two times three") is the sum of 2 + 2 + 2.

:For example, <big><math>2\times 3 </math></big> (spoken as "two times three") is the sum of 2 + 2 + 2.

In this example the numbers "2" and "3" are known as the ''factors'' and the result of a multiplication is knwon as the ''product''.

In this example the numbers "2" and "3" are known as the ''[[factor]]s'' and the result of a multiplication is known as the ''[[product]]''.

Multiplication is a [[commutative]] operation in that A <big><math>\times</math></big> B = B <big><math>\times</math></big> A.  

Multiplication is a [[commutative]] operation in that A <big><math>\times</math></big> B = B <big><math>\times</math></big> A.  

Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication.   

Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication.   

*For simple numbers, the symbol (<big><math>\times</math></big>) used looks much like the letter "X", as in the examples above.

*For simple numbers, the symbol (<big><math>\times</math></big>) used looks much like the letter "X", as in the examples above.

*Since the "X" looks like a letter, and letters are commonly used in algebra to indicate unknowns, or variables, the "dot" is frequently used: A &#149; B = B &#149; A.

*Since the "X" looks like a letter, and letters are commonly used in algebra to indicate [[unknown]]s, or [[variable]]s, the "dot" is frequently used: A &#149; B = B &#149; A.

*Alternatively a period may be used to denote multiplication

*Alternatively a period may be used to denote multiplication

*Also, in [[algebra]]ic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied:

*Also, in [[algebra]]ic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied:

==See also==

==See also==

*[[Multiplication Property of Equality]]

*[[Multiplication Property of Equality]]

*[[Math]]

*[[Arithmetic]]

[[Category:Algebra]]

[[Category:Algebra]]