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Multiplication
Multiplication is a process that increases the given number.
Multiplication is used to simplify addition. Factors are combined to give a product.
This operation is usually indicated by an "x" sign, a centered period, or sometimes by a star ("*" ).
It may also be understood when a symbol is juxtaposed to a number or another symbol (as in the operation xy where the value is x *y).
Or it is communicated if the symbol is next to an operation within parentheses as in y(3 x 5) where the value is 3 times 5 times y. One always performs operations within parentheses first.
As with addition, multiplication has four properties:
Commutative: When two numbers are multiplied, the product is the same regardless of the order of the numbers being multiplied.
Example: 3 x 5 = 5 x 3 = 15
Associative: When more than two numbers are multiplied, the product is the same regardless of the order of the numbers being multiplied.
Example: 1 x 2 x 3 = 1 x 3 x 2 = 2 x 1 x 3 = 2 x 3 x 1 = 3 x 1 x 2 = 3 x 2 x 1 = 6
Multiplicative identity: The product of any number and 1 is that number.
Example: 5 x 1 = 5
Distributive: The sum of two numbers times a third number is the sum of the first number times the third number and the second number times the third number.
Example: (5 + 3) 2 = (5 x 2) + (3 x 2) = 16
Order of operation
The operations of multiplication and division are performed first in most mathematical and statistical equations, unless parentheses indicate a sub-operation to be performed first or exponents or square roots need to be calculated (after any sub-operations in parentheses).