The Multiplication Symbol (×)
The multiplication symbol is × (called the "times sign"). It tells us to multiply two numbers together.
When we write 3 × 4 = 12, we read it as "three times four equals twelve." The × sign replaces writing repeated addition.
What is The Multiplication Symbol (×) - Class 2 Maths (Multiplication Introduction)?
The × symbol means "multiply" or "times." It joins two numbers in a multiplication sentence.
Parts of a multiplication sentence:
| Part | Name | Example (3 × 4 = 12) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Multiplicand (or factor) | Number of groups |
| × | Multiplication sign | "times" |
| 4 | Multiplier (or factor) | Size of each group |
| = | Equals sign | "is equal to" |
| 12 | Product | The answer |
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: Read a multiplication sentence
Question: Read 5 × 3 = 15.
Think:
- × means "times"
- = means "equals"
Answer: "Five times three equals fifteen."
Example 2: Example 2: Write a multiplication sentence
Question: Ria has 4 bags with 5 mangoes each. Write this as a multiplication sentence.
Think:
- 4 groups of 5
- 4 × 5 = 20
Answer: 4 × 5 = 20.
Example 3: Example 3: Replace addition with multiplication
Question: Rewrite 7 + 7 + 7 using the × sign.
Think:
- 7 is added 3 times
- Use ×: 3 × 7
Answer: 7 + 7 + 7 = 3 × 7 = 21.
Example 4: Example 4: Find the product
Question: What is the product of 6 and 2?
Think:
- "Product" means multiply
- 6 × 2 = 12
Answer: The product of 6 and 2 is 12.
Example 5: Example 5: Kavi’s ₹2 coins
Question: Kavi has 8 coins of ₹2 each. Write a multiplication sentence for the total amount.
Think:
- 8 groups of ₹2
- 8 × 2 = 16
Answer: 8 × 2 = ₹16.
Example 6: Example 6: Fill in the missing number
Question: ___ × 5 = 25. What is the missing number?
Think:
- How many groups of 5 make 25?
- 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 → 5 groups
Answer: 5 × 5 = 25.
Example 7: Example 7: × versus +
Question: What is the difference between 3 + 4 and 3 × 4?
Think:
- 3 + 4 = 7 (addition: 3 and 4 combined)
- 3 × 4 = 12 (multiplication: 3 groups of 4)
- They give different answers!
Answer: 3 + 4 = 7 (sum), but 3 × 4 = 12 (product). The × sign and + sign are different operations.
Key Points to Remember
- The symbol × means "times" or "multiply."
- A multiplication sentence: factor × factor = product.
- The product is the answer of a multiplication.
- 3 × 4 and 4 × 3 give the same product (12) but mean different things.
- Do not confuse + (plus) with × (times). They are different operations.
Practice Problems
- Read aloud: 7 × 3 = 21.
- Write the multiplication sentence: 6 groups of 10.
- Rewrite 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 using the × sign.
- What is the product of 8 and 5?
- Fill in: ___ × 10 = 30.
- Meera has 5 plates with 4 biscuits each. Write a × sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does the × symbol mean?
The × symbol means "times" or "multiply." When you see 4 × 3, it means 4 groups of 3, or 3 added 4 times.
Q2. What is a product?
The product is the answer you get when you multiply two numbers. In 4 × 5 = 20, the product is 20.
Q3. What are factors?
Factors are the numbers you multiply together. In 4 × 5 = 20, the factors are 4 and 5.
Q4. How is × different from +?
The + sign adds two numbers (3 + 4 = 7). The × sign multiplies them (3 × 4 = 12). Multiplication is repeated addition.
Q5. Can I use × for any repeated addition?
Only when the same number is added every time. 5 + 5 + 5 = 3 × 5 works. But 5 + 3 + 7 cannot be written as one multiplication because the numbers are different.
Q6. Is there another symbol for multiplication?
Yes. In higher classes, a dot (·) or asterisk (*) are sometimes used. But in Class 2, always use the × sign.
