Multiplication Vocabulary – Key Terms Explained
Understanding the language of multiplication helps you follow explanations, read problems accurately, and communicate your thinking clearly.
Core Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Factor | Any number being multiplied | In 6 × 4, both 6 and 4 are factors |
| Product | The result of multiplying | 6 × 4 = 24 (24 is the product) |
| Multiplicand | The number being multiplied (first number) | In 6 × 4, the multiplicand is 6 |
| Multiplier | The number doing the multiplying (second number) | In 6 × 4, the multiplier is 4 |
| Multiple | A product of a number and any whole number | Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12... |
Phrases That Mean Multiply
- "times" — 5 times 6
- "lots of" or "groups of" — 4 lots of 7
- "multiplied by" — 8 multiplied by 3
- "the product of" — the product of 9 and 5
- "twice" — twice 11 = 2 × 11
- "triple" — triple 4 = 3 × 4
Examples in Context
Example 1
Find the product of 7 and 8: 7 × 8 = 56
Example 2
List the first five multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30
Key Takeaways
- Factors are the numbers you multiply together.
- The product is the result.
- Multiples are the answers you get when multiplying by 1, 2, 3, 4...
- Recognising phrases like "product of" and "times" is essential for solving word problems.
Practice Questions
- Identify the factors and product in: 9 × 7 = 63.
- Find the product of 12 and 5.
- List the first six multiples of 8.
- Is 36 a multiple of 4? Explain.
- Write a sentence using the word "product" that describes the calculation 3 × 11.