multiplication
definition
The basic idea of multiplication is repeated addition.
For example: 5 × 3 = 5 + 5 + 5 = 15
But as well as multiplying by whole numbers, we can also multiply by fractions, decimals and more.
For example 5 × 3½ = 5 + 5 + 5 + (half of 5) = 17.5
For example: 5 × 3 = 5 + 5 + 5 = 15
But as well as multiplying by whole numbers, we can also multiply by fractions, decimals and more.
For example 5 × 3½ = 5 + 5 + 5 + (half of 5) = 17.5
how to multiply
To multiply numbers, you need to know how to work with the different times signs as well as parentheses. If you multiply large numbers, you also need to know how to stack them in columns, so that you can work with them.
Multiplication is often described as a sort of shorthand for repeated addition. For example, when you multiply 4 by 3, you are adding 4 to itself 3 times: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Similarly:
9 6 means add 9 to itself 6 times: 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 54
100 2 means add 100 to itself 2 times: 100 + 100 = 200
Multiplication is often described as a sort of shorthand for repeated addition. For example, when you multiply 4 by 3, you are adding 4 to itself 3 times: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Similarly:
9 6 means add 9 to itself 6 times: 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 54
100 2 means add 100 to itself 2 times: 100 + 100 = 200
Use signs and parentheses in multiplication
Multiply larger numbers
step 1The main reason to know the multiplication table is so you can more easily multiply larger numbers. For example, suppose you want to multiply 53 7. Start by stacking these numbers one on top of another with a line underneath, and then multiply 3 by 7. Because 3 7 = 21, write down the 1 and carry the 2:
step 2 |