Korrutades

Korrutades, also known as multiplication, is a fundamental arithmetic operation that involves combining groups of equal size. It is denoted by the symbol "×" or by placing the numbers side by side. For example, 3 × 4 can also be written as 3(4) or simply 34. The result of a multiplication operation is called a product.

Multiplication can be thought of as repeated addition. For instance, 3 × 4 is the same as adding 3 to itself 4 times (3 + 3 + 3 + 3). This concept is often introduced in early education to help children understand the relationship between addition and multiplication.

Multiplication has several key properties, including commutativity (the order of factors does not change the product), associativity (the grouping of factors does not change the product), and the existence of an identity element (1, since any number multiplied by 1 remains unchanged).

In algebra, multiplication extends to include variables and more complex expressions. For example, in the expression 2x, 2 is the coefficient and x is the variable. This concept is crucial in solving equations and understanding mathematical relationships.

Multiplication is widely used in various fields, including science, engineering, and finance, to calculate areas, volumes, rates, and other quantities. It is also a building block for more advanced mathematical concepts, such as division, fractions, and exponents.