Difference between revisions of "Multiplication"

Revision as of 12:08, September 3, 2008

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

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

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

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.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 :For example <big><math>3\times 2 </math></big> (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 (<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 [[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
-*Also, in [[algebra]]ic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied:
-: Y = 3aX + 4bZ
 ==See also==