Changes

In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' may be defined as repeated addition of whole numbers ([[integers]]).  

'''Multiplication''' may be defined as repeated addition. For example, 3 X 2 is the sum of 2 + 2 + 2.

:For example, <big><math>2\times 3 </math></big> (spoken as "two times three") is the sum of 2 + 2 + 2.

In this example the numbers "2" and "3" are known as the ''factors'' and the result of a multiplication is knwon as the ''product''.

Multiplication is a [[commutative]] operation: A X B = B X A.

Multiplication is a [[commutative]] operation in that A <big><math>\times</math></big> B = B <big><math>\times</math></big> A.

:For example <big><math>3\times 2 </math></big> (spoken as "three times two") is the sum of 3 + 3 = 6.

==Symbol==

==Symbol==

Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication.   

Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication.   

*For simple numbers, the symbol used looks much like the letter "X", as in the examples above.

*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 unknowns, or variables, the "dot" is frequently used: A &#149; B = B &#149; A.

*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 &#149; B = B &#149; A.

*Also, in algebraic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied: Y = 3aX + 4bZ.

*Also, in [[algebra]]ic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied:

: Y = 3aX + 4bZ

==See also==

==See also==