Difference between revisions of "Multiplication"
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| − | In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' may be defined as repeated addition of whole numbers | + | In its most elementary form '''multiplication''' may be defined as repeated [[addition]] of [[whole numbers]] or [[integers]]. |
:For example, <big><math>2\times 3 </math></big> (spoken as "two times three") 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 '' | + | 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]]''. |
Multiplication is a [[commutative]] operation in that A <big><math>\times</math></big> B = B <big><math>\times</math></big> A. | Multiplication is a [[commutative]] operation in that A <big><math>\times</math></big> B = B <big><math>\times</math></big> A. | ||
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Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication. | 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. | *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 | + | *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 • B = B • A. |
*Alternatively a period may be used to denote multiplication | *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: | *Also, in [[algebra]]ic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied: | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Multiplication Property of Equality]] | *[[Multiplication Property of Equality]] | ||
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Arithmetic]] |
[[Category:Algebra]] | [[Category:Algebra]] | ||
Revision as of 01:25, September 2, 2008
In its most elementary form multiplication may be defined as repeated addition of whole numbers or integers.
- For example, <math>2\times 3 </math> (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 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