Multiplication

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.

• 3 times 2 = 2 added three times = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.

This also works the other way:

• 2 times 3 = 3 added two times = 3 + 3 = 6.

2 x 3 = 3 x 2, regardless of the order of the operands. It is said that multiplication is commutative.

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."

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:

3 · 2

a · b

6.022 ·10²³

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.

a² + 2ab + b²

See also

• Multiplication Property of Equality
• Math