What is multiplication?
Multiplication
What is multiplication?
Multiplication is a mathematical operation that consists of adding a number as many times as indicated by the other number that makes up the operation, for example:
The above operation indicates adding the first number three times, then:
Multiplication comes from the Latin multiplicatĭo , which means “action and effect of multiplying”.
In the same way, multiplication outside the mathematical realm implies increasing the same thing, either qualitatively or quantitatively.
Parts of multiplication
In math, multiplication has three components:
- Multiplying : it is the number that is going to be multiplied.
- Multiplier : it is the component that indicates how many times the multiplicand is going to be added.
- Product : is the result or solution of the multiplication.
Multiplying and multiplying are also called factors .
How the signs multiply
Multiplications admit operations with positive (+) and negative (-) numbers. In those cases, the signs are also multiplied following certain rules:
- When a number is multiplied by unity (1), it will retain its same sign.
Example:
- When the factors of a multiplication have different signs (+), (-), the product will have a negative sign.
Example:
- When the factors of a multiplication have equal signs, the product will have a positive sign.
Example:
Properties of multiplication
Multiplications have a series of properties that apply when operations are performed with whole, natural, real, fraction and complex numbers:
Property of the zero element or absorbing element
Any number multiplied by zero will result in zero.
Example:
Property of the neutral element.
Any number multiplied by unity (1) will result in the same number.
Example:
Lock property
When multiplying two natural numbers the product will always be a natural number.
Example:
Commutative property
The order of the factors does not alter the product.
Example:
Associative property
The way of associating the factors does not alter the product.
Example:
Distributive property
Multiplying a number by a sum is the same as adding the multiplication of that number by each of the addends of the operation.
Example:
Multiplication sign
Contrary to popular belief, the multiplication sign is not an X (x), but a cross-shaped cross called the decussata or San Andrés Cross. The use of the X has become popular, among other reasons, because many keyboards do not have this sign, which is why it is much more practical to use an X.
However, being so similar to a letter x, it can be confused with the unknown of an equation, therefore, although its use is correct, it is suggested to use a period (.) Or an asterisk (*) in this type of operations to avoid errors.
- Update date: March 6, 2021.