Multiply Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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multiply
[ˈmʌltɪplaɪ ]
Definition
mathematical operation
To combine two or more quantities into one product. It involves the repeated addition of the same number.
Synonyms
multiply by, times, times by.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| multiply |
This is a general term used in mathematical contexts to indicate the process of increasing a number by another number. It can be used in both spoken and written forms.
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| times |
Commonly used in spoken language, especially when teaching children or in an informal setting. It simplifies the concept and makes it more understandable for non-experts.
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| times by |
Less common and more informal, often used in conversational English. It may sound less formal than 'multiply by'.
|
| multiply by |
This is used specifically to describe the act of multiplying one number by another. It's often used in instructional or explanatory contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Can you multiply 5 by 3 for me?
- She multiplied the number of attendees by the ticket price to calculate the total revenue.
- We need to multiply the length by the width to find the area of the rectangle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- Multiplication is often seen as repeated addition; for example, 3 multiplied by 4 is the same as adding 3 four times.
- The symbol for multiplication '×' was made popular by mathematician William Oughtred in the 17th century.
- The multiplication table, known as the times table, is a vital learning tool in schools for helping understand how numbers work together.
History
- Ancient civilizations, like the Babylonians, used multiplication methods around 2000 BC for trade and land measurement.
- In ancient Egypt, a method called 'duplation' was used, where numbers were doubled to determine their products.
- The concept of multiplication has roots in various cultures, with evidence of its use found in Indian, Chinese, and Greek mathematics.
Education
- Learning to multiply is a major milestone in elementary education, typically introduced in 2nd or 3rd grade.
- Games and interactive activities have been shown to enhance multiplication skills, making learning fun.
- Understanding multiplication can aid in later subjects, such as division, fractions, and even algebra.
Pop Culture
- Multiplication has been referenced in movies and TV, often in scenes depicting math exams or challenges.
- Catchy songs and rhymes about multiplication, like the 'Schoolhouse Rock' series, have helped generations of kids learn their times tables.
- Video games often use multiplication in score calculations, encouraging quick thinking and math skills in a fun way.
Psychology
- Learning multiplication can improve cognitive abilities, enhancing problem-solving skills beyond just math.
- The way people understand multiplication can vary based on instructional methods, emphasizing the importance of effective teaching.
- Studies have shown that practice and application in real-life scenarios can solidify multiplication skills in young learners.
Origin of 'multiply'
The word 'multiply' originated from the Latin word 'multiplicare', which means 'to increase' or 'to make many'. It has been used in mathematics for centuries to describe the operation of combining quantities. The concept of multiplication has been fundamental in various civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who developed their own methods for multiplication. Over time, the symbol '×' became widely used to represent multiplication, making calculations more efficient and standardized.
See also: multiplication, multiplicity, multiplier, multiplying.