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| − | '''Multiplication''' is a mathematical operation. Multiplication of positive integers is the same as repeated addition. You multiply two numbers together; that is, multiplication is always performed on two ''operands,'' which in this case are known as the ''multiplicand'' and the ''multiplier.'' The result is a third number, the ''product.'' | + | '''Multiplication''' may be defined as repeated addition. For example, 3 X 2 is the sum of 2 + 2 + 2. |
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| − | *3 times 2 = 2 added three times = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.
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| − | This also works the other way:
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| − | *3 times 2 = 3 added two times = 3 + 3 = 6.
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| − | 2 x 3 = 3 x 2, regardless of the order of the operands, per the [[commutative|commutative property]].
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| − | Multiplication is sometimes confusing because the symbol for multiplication is very similar to the letter x; but the letter x can also stand for a variable in algebra, as in "solve for x."
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| − | In printed material, slightly different symbols are used for the letter x and the multiplication symbol ×. Sometimes, in mathematics, a centered dot is used to stand for multiplication:
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| − | :3 · 2
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| − | :a · b
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| − | :6.022 ·10<sup>23</sup>
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| − | In algebra, quantities may simply be juxtaposed (written next to each other) without any symbols, to indicate multiplication. In this expression, 2ab means 2 times ''a'' times ''b''.
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| − | :a<sup>2</sup> + 2ab + b<sup>2</sup>
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| | ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| | *[[Multiplication Property of Equality]] | | *[[Multiplication Property of Equality]] |