Multiplication Symbols and Vocabulary

Multiplication Symbols

In multiplication, there are several symbols used to denote the operation. The most common symbol is the multiplication sign "×". Another widely-used symbol, especially in algebra, is the asterisk "*". Both indicate the same operation, which involves combining equal groups of numbers.

Example:

3 × 4 = 12

3 * 4 = 12

The symbols above show two ways to express the multiplication of 3 and 4, resulting in 12.

Vocabulary of Multiplication

• Factors: The numbers that are multiplied together in a multiplication problem. For example, in the equation 4 × 3 = 12, the numbers 4 and 3 are the factors.
• Product: The result of a multiplication operation. For example, the product of 4 and 3 is 12.
• Multiplicand: The number being multiplied. In 4 × 3 = 12, the multiplicand is 4.
• Multiplier: The number by which the multiplicand is multiplied. In 4 × 3 = 12, the multiplier is 3.

Understanding these terms will help you recognize the different parts of a multiplication equation. It's similar to how in addition, we have "addends" and a "sum". Recognizing this vocabulary can make math problems easier to understand and solve.

Comparison with Addition Symbols and Vocabulary

While addition uses the plus sign "+", and the result is called the "sum", multiplication uses different symbols and vocabulary as described above. This distinction is important to differentiate between the two operations.