Multiples Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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multiples

[ˈmʌltɪpəlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

Multiples are the result of multiplying a number by an integer. In other words, they are numbers that can be divided by another number without a remainder.

Synonyms

factors, products.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
multiples

Use when referring to numbers that result from multiplying a given number by integers.

  • 12, 18, and 24 are multiples of 6.
  • We need to find all multiples of 4 between 20 and 40.
products

Refers to the result of multiplying two or more numbers together.

  • The product of 7 and 3 is 21.
  • In this equation, identify the product of the given numbers.
factors

Used for numbers that can be multiplied together to get another number.

  • The factors of 10 are 1, 2, 5, and 10.
  • To solve this problem, break down the number into its factors.

Examples of usage

  • 6 is a multiple of 3 because 3 x 2 = 6
  • 12 is a multiple of 4 because 4 x 3 = 12
Context #2 | Noun

grammar

Multiples are words that share the same root or base word. They can be formed by adding prefixes or suffixes to the base word.

Synonyms

derivatives, related words.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
multiples

Typically used in mathematics to refer to numbers that can be divided by another number without a remainder.

  • The multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, and 12.
  • Any multiples of 5 end in either 0 or 5.
derivatives

Mostly used in calculus to describe the rate at which a function is changing at any given point. It can also refer to financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset.

  • In calculus, the derivative of a function gives the slope of the line tangent to the curve.
  • Financial derivatives can be very complex and often come with high risk.
related words

Used when discussing words that share a common theme or root. This term is often used in linguistics or language studies.

  • In the English language, 'happy' and 'happiness' are related words.
  • When studying a new language, it's helpful to learn the related words together.

Examples of usage

  • Happiness and unhappiness are multiples of happy
  • Teach and teacher are multiples of the base word teach

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • Every number has an infinite set of multiples; for example, the number 4 has the multiples 4, 8, 12, 16, and so on, forever.
  • Multiples are used in many areas of math, like finding common denominators in fractions.
  • The least common multiple (LCM) represents the smallest multiple that two or more numbers share.

History of Mathematics

  • Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, used simple multiplication for building pyramids and trading goods.
  • Babylonians developed a base-60 system, which influenced how they explored multiples for trade and astronomy.
  • The concept of multiples was formally studied in various forms since ancient Greece, where mathematicians like Euclid laid foundational principles.

Education

  • Understanding multiples is crucial for mastering multiplication and division concepts in early math education.
  • Teachers often use visual aids, such as arrays or number lines, to help students grasp how multiples work.
  • Multiples help develop problem-solving skills, as recognizing patterns can make math easier and more fun.

Games and Puzzles

  • Many board and card games incorporate multiples; for instance, players often score points in multiples.
  • Puzzles that involve finding patterns often use multiples to challenge critical thinking skills.
  • Educational apps frequently use multiples in their gameplay to teach children basic math in an engaging way.

Origin of 'multiples'

The word 'multiples' originated from the Latin word 'multiplus', which means 'manyfold'. It has been used in mathematics for centuries to refer to the result of multiplying a number by an integer. In grammar, the concept of multiples has been used to describe words that are derived from a common root or base word. The term has evolved over time to encompass various fields of study, reflecting its versatility and importance in language and mathematics.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,024, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.