Multiplication Symbol (×)

Definition

The multiplication symbol, denoted as '×', is a mathematical operation that represents the repeated addition of a number to itself. It is a fundamental operation in arithmetic and is used to find the product of two or more numbers. The multiplication symbol is a crucial component in various mathematical contexts, including whole numbers, fractions, and mixed numbers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The multiplication symbol '×' is used to indicate that two or more numbers should be multiplied together.
2. Multiplying whole numbers involves finding the total number of objects when a certain number of equal groups are combined.
3. Factors are the numbers being multiplied, and the product is the result of the multiplication.
4. The distributive property is used to simplify the multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers.
5. Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers involves multiplying the numerators and then multiplying the denominators.

Review Questions

• Explain how the multiplication symbol '×' is used in the context of multiplying whole numbers.
  • When multiplying whole numbers, the multiplication symbol '×' indicates that the numbers should be multiplied together. For example, 4 × 3 means that the number 4 should be added to itself 3 times, resulting in a product of 12. The multiplication symbol represents the repeated addition of a number to itself, allowing us to find the total number of objects when a certain number of equal groups are combined.
• Describe the role of factors and the product in the context of multiplication.
  • In the multiplication of numbers, the factors are the numbers being multiplied, and the product is the result of the multiplication. For instance, in the expression 6 × 4, the factors are 6 and 4, and the product is 24. Understanding the relationship between factors and the product is crucial when finding multiples and factors, as well as when multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers.
• Analyze how the distributive property is used to simplify the multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers.
  • The distributive property states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend by that number and then adding the products. This property can be applied when multiplying fractions and mixed numbers to simplify the calculation. By using the distributive property, the multiplication of complex expressions involving fractions and mixed numbers can be broken down into simpler steps, making the process more efficient and easier to understand.

Related terms

Product:

The result of multiplying two or more numbers together.

Factor:

A number that is multiplied by another number to produce a product.

Distributive Property:

A property that states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend by that number and then adding the products.