Multiplying

Multiplication is a mathematical operation that scales one number by another (multiplying – sign: x). It replaces addition of a large quantity of numbers in a row. Multiplying is a math operation that is opposite of division. For example: you can substitute the mathematical expression 5+5+5+5 with 5×4 (the number 5 multiplied with the number of times it has appeared in a row).

Multiplication has several properties. When a number is multiplied with the number 1, the product (the result of multiplication) is the same as that number. When a number is multiplied with zero, the product is always zero. When a number is multiplied with negative one, the result is the negative version of that number.  It also has properties of commutativity, associativity and distributivity.

The commutative and associative properties are similar to those properties in addition. Distributivity applies when addition and multiplication are combined, as they are in this example:

a * (b + c) = a * b + a * c

A very important thing to remember is that the order of importance of multiplication is always greater than the order of importace of addition or subtraction. You first multiply the numbers (where there is need for that) and them add or subtract them. Here is an example:

5 * 4 + 3 = 20 + 3 = 23

The single exception to the rule is that addition or subtraction has priority over multiplication when  the numbers that need to be added and the operator are in brackets, and the operator of multiplication is not.

Multiplying exams for teachers

Multiplying worksheets for students