Difference between revisions of "Multiplication"
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(we don't need the "spoken as" there - this is reference, not "math for dummies") |
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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 repeated [[addition]] of [[whole numbers]] or [[integers]]. | ||
| − | :For example, <big><math>2\times 3 = 2 + 2 + 2</math></big> | + | :For example, <big><math>2\times 3 = 2 + 2 + 2</math></big> |
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]]''. | 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]]''. | ||
Revision as of 12:02, September 3, 2008
In its most elementary form multiplication is repeated addition of whole numbers or integers.
- For example, <math>2\times 3 = 2 + 2 + 2</math>
In this example the numbers "2" and "3" are known as the factors and the result of a multiplication is known as the product.
Multiplication is a commutative operation in that A <math>\times</math> B = B <math>\times</math> A.
- For example <math>3\times 2 </math> (spoken as "three times two") is the sum of 3 + 3 = 6.
Symbol
Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication.
- For simple numbers, the symbol (<math>\times</math>) 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 • B = B • A.
- Alternatively a period may be used to denote multiplication
- Also, in algebraic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied:
- Y = 3aX + 4bZ