Multiplication Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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multiplication
[ˌmʌltɪplɪˈkeɪʃən ]
Definitions
mathematics
The process of combining two or more numbers to get a result called the product. It involves repeated addition of the same number.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| multiplication |
Used in mathematics to describe the process of finding the product of two or more numbers. It is often used in academic or educational settings.
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| times |
An informal or conversational term often used to describe multiplication, especially in spoken contexts or with younger students.
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| product |
In mathematics, it represents the result of multiplying two or more numbers. Also, in business, it can refer to an item produced or sold.
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| multiplying |
A verb form describing the action of performing multiplication. It is suitable for use when actively describing the process.
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Examples of usage
- Multiplication is a fundamental operation in mathematics.
- She used multiplication to solve the problem quickly.
general
The act or process of multiplying or the state of being multiplied.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| multiplication |
Used in mathematical contexts or when referring to something becoming many times greater.
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| increase |
A general term used to describe something becoming larger in quantity, size, or amount, applicable in various contexts.
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| growth |
Used to describe a process of increasing in size, number, or importance, typically in natural, personal, or economic scenarios.
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| expansion |
Used when describing something spreading out or growing in size, often in a physical, economic, or business context.
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Examples of usage
- The rapid multiplication of cells can lead to cancer.
- The multiplication of ideas can result in innovation.
biology
The process of reproduction in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
Synonyms
division, proliferation, reproduction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| multiplication |
Used in mathematics to describe the operation of adding a number to itself a certain number of times.
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| reproduction |
Used to describe the biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.
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| division |
Used in mathematics to describe the operation of splitting a number into equal parts.
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| proliferation |
Used to describe the rapid increase in numbers, often in a biological, social, or technological context.
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Examples of usage
- Cell multiplication is essential for growth and repair in organisms.
- The multiplication of bacteria is a key factor in infections.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept of multiplying numbers appeared in ancient times, with early methods used by the Babylonians around 2000 BCE.
- In ancient Egypt, multiplication was performed using a process called 'doubling,' which laid foundational principles for the operation.
- The symbol for multiplication (×) was first used in the 17th century, though earlier notation involved words and dots.
Mathematics
- Multiplication is one of the four basic operations in arithmetic, alongside addition, subtraction, and division.
- In mathematics, multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive number, which baffles many students at first.
- The multiplication table was introduced to help learn and quickly perform multiplication tasks; mastering it is often a rite of passage for schoolchildren.
Education
- Games and interactive activities can enhance learning multiplication by making it fun, like using flashcards or apps that bring numbers to life.
- Studies show that visual aids, such as arrays and grouping objects, help children understand the concept of multiplication better.
- Teaching methods that incorporate storytelling or real-world examples, like sharing candies, make multiplication relatable to young learners.
Culture
- Multiplication and math in general are often depicted in popular culture as symbols of intelligence or even geekiness, especially in movies or TV shows.
- In music, some song lyrics reference multiplication as a metaphor for increasing passion or abundance, reflecting cultural appreciation for math.
- Mathematics education varies globally, with different countries adopting unique approaches to teaching multiplication, reflecting cultural attitudes towards learning.
Science
- In science, multiplication is crucial for calculations involving formulas, such as finding areas or volumes where dimensions are multiplied.
- Population studies often use multiplication to predict growth in a given area, showing practical applications beyond pure mathematics.
- The concept of multiplication is also applied in physics, such as finding momentum, where mass is multiplied by velocity.
Origin of 'multiplication'
The word 'multiplication' originated from the Latin word 'multiplicare', which means 'to multiply'. The concept of multiplication has been used in mathematics for centuries, with ancient civilizations developing techniques to perform multiplication. It plays a crucial role in various fields, including mathematics, science, and economics, enabling the representation of repeated addition and exponential growth.
See also: multiplicity, multiplier, multiply, multiplying.