Difference between revisions of "Multiplication"
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(where's the dot product symbol? I go find it to replace the asterisk I left in its place...) |
(that'll do) |
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Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication. | Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication. | ||
*For simple numbers, the symbol used looks much like the letter "X", as in the examples above. | *For simple numbers, the symbol used looks much like the letter "X", as in the examples above. | ||
| − | *Since the "X" looks like a letter, and letters are commonly used in algebra to indicate unknowns, or variables, the "dot" is frequently used: A | + | *Since the "X" looks like a letter, and letters are commonly used in algebra to indicate unknowns, or variables, the "dot" is frequently used: A • B = B • A. |
*Also, in algebraic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied: Y = 3aX + 4bZ. | *Also, in algebraic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied: Y = 3aX + 4bZ. | ||
Revision as of 22:07, August 31, 2008
This article or section is too vague; please provide better definitions for key terms and link to basic concepts.
Multiplication may be defined as repeated addition. For example, 3 X 2 is the sum of 2 + 2 + 2.
Multiplication is a commutative operation: A X B = B X A.
Symbol
Several conventions are used to indicate multiplication.
- For simple numbers, the symbol used looks much like the letter "X", as in the examples above.
- Since the "X" looks like a letter, and letters are commonly used in algebra to indicate unknowns, or variables, the "dot" is frequently used: A • B = B • A.
- Also, in algebraic use, quantities are simply juxtaposed to indicate that they are to be multiplied: Y = 3aX + 4bZ.