Multiplication

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

For example, $3\times 2=2+2+2=6$

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

Multiplication and addition are the only two mathematical functions that yield the same result, regardless of placement of numbers.

For example Failed to parse (MathML with SVG or PNG fallback (recommended for modern browsers and accessibility tools): Invalid response ("Math extension cannot connect to Restbase.") from server "https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/":): {\displaystyle 3\times 2 = 2\times 3} .

Likewise Failed to parse (MathML with SVG or PNG fallback (recommended for modern browsers and accessibility tools): Invalid response ("Math extension cannot connect to Restbase.") from server "https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/":): {\displaystyle 4 + 5 = 5 + 4}

They are both therefore called "commutative" operations

Exceptions apply when parentheses are user

Failed to parse (MathML with SVG or PNG fallback (recommended for modern browsers and accessibility tools): Invalid response ("Math extension cannot connect to Restbase.") from server "https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/":): {\displaystyle 2 *(3*4) = 24}

Failed to parse (MathML with SVG or PNG fallback (recommended for modern browsers and accessibility tools): Invalid response ("Math extension cannot connect to Restbase.") from server "https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/":): {\displaystyle 4 *(3*2) = 16}

See also

• Multiplication Property of Equality
• Arithmetic