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 previous 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 field implies increasing the same thing, either qualitatively or quantitatively.
Parts of multiplication
In mathematics, multiplication has three components:
- Multiplying: is the number to be multiplied.
- Multiplier: is the component that indicates how many times the multiplicand is to be added.
- Product: is the result or solution of the multiplication.
Multiplying and multiplying are also called factors .
How signs multiply
Multiplications support 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 number of properties that apply when operations are performed with integers, naturals, reals, fractions, and complexes:
Property of the zero element or absorbent element
Any number multiplied by zero will result in zero.
Example:
Neutral element property.
Every number multiplied by unit (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 equals adding the multiplications of that number by each of the addends in the operation.
Example:
Multiplication sign
Contrary to popular belief, the multiplication sign is not an x (x), but a cross shaped like a cross called decussata or Cruz de San Andrés. The use of the x has become popular, among other reasons, because many keyboards do not have this sign, making it 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.
