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In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' is repeated [[addition]] of [[whole numbers]] or [[integers]].  

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</math></big>

:For example, <big><math>3\times 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6</math></big>

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

The result of a multiplication is the ''product''. The numbers which are multiplied together are called ''factors''.

:For example <big><math>3\times 2 </math></big> (spoken as "three times two") is the sum of 3 + 3 = 6.

 

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

:For example <big><math>3\times 2 = 2\times 3</math></big>.

*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.

 

Multiplication also possesses the [[associative property of multiplication|associative property]].

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

 

: Y = 3aX + 4bZ

The opposite of multiplication is [[division]].

 

== Properties of Multiplication ==

 

* 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>

==See also==

==See also==

*[[Arithmetic]]

*[[Arithmetic]]

[[Category:Algebra]]

[[Category:Arithmetic]]