multiplicanda

Multiplicanda is a rarely used plural form of multiplicand, the term for a number that is to be multiplied by another number in a multiplication operation. In a binary multiplication such as a × b, a is the multiplicand and b is the multiplier. The concept can extend to products with more than two factors, where the elements being multiplied may collectively be described as multiplicands.

In modern mathematical writing, the standard plural is multiplicands. The form multiplicanda appears primarily in historical, Latin-influenced, or didactic contexts and is not common in contemporary textbooks or formal proofs. When clarity is needed, most authors simply refer to the factors of a product or to the multiplicands in a multi-term multiplication, avoiding ambiguity between multiplicands and multipliers.

Example: In the two-term product 3 × 4, 3 is the multiplicand and 4 is the multiplier. In a longer product like 2 × 3 × 5, the numbers 2, 3, and 5 can be described as multiplicands (with the understanding that in each step of the multiplication a different partner acts as the multiplier).

Etymology and usage notes: The term derives from the Latin gerundive form related to the idea “to be multiplied.” The plural form multiplicanda follows Latin pluralization patterns and is encountered mainly in older or Latinized mathematical writings. For everyday use, multiplicands or factors are preferred to avoid confusion with the term multiplier and with more common plural forms.