Mitmekordistamine

Mitmekordistamine, often translated as multiplication, is a fundamental arithmetic operation. It is essentially a shortcut for repeated addition. For example, multiplying 3 by 4 (written as 3 x 4 or 3 * 4) is the same as adding 3 four times (3 + 3 + 3 + 3), which equals 12. The numbers being multiplied are called factors, and the result is called the product.

The operation of multiplication has several key properties. It is commutative, meaning the order of the factors does not change the product (3 x 4 = 4 x 3). It is also associative, meaning that when multiplying three or more numbers, the grouping of the numbers does not affect the result ((2 x 3) x 4 = 2 x (3 x 4)). The identity property of multiplication states that any number multiplied by 1 remains unchanged (5 x 1 = 5).

Multiplication is used extensively in mathematics and everyday life, from calculating areas and volumes to managing finances and solving complex problems. It is a core concept taught in early education and forms the basis for more advanced mathematical concepts. Different methods exist for performing multiplication, including mental arithmetic, using algorithms on paper, and employing calculators or computers.