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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 = 6</math></big> | | :For example, <big><math>3\times 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6</math></big> |
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| − | The result of a multiplication is the ''[[product]]''. The numbers which are multiplied together are called ''[[factor]]s''. | + | The result of a multiplication is the ''product''. The numbers which are multiplied together are called ''factors''. |
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| | + | 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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| − | Multiplication and addition are the only two mathmatical functions that yield the same result, regardless of placement of numbers.
| + | :For example <big><math>3\times 2 = 2\times 3</math></big>. |
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| − | :For example <big><math>3\times 2 = 2\times 3</math></big>.
| + | Multiplication also possesses the [[associative property of multiplication|associative property]]. |
| − | :Likewise <big><math>4 + 5 = 5 + 4</math></big>
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| − | They are both therefore called "[[commutative]]" operations
| + | 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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| | ==See also== | | ==See also== |
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| | *[[Arithmetic]] | | *[[Arithmetic]] |
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| − | [[Category:Algebra]] | + | [[Category:Arithmetic]] |