Multiplying Whole Numbers:

Multiplication is the procedure of counting a number two or more times.  It could be considered a shortened form of addition. Therefore, to add the number 4 three times, 4 + 4 + 4, we can use multiplication terms, that is, 4 multiplied through 3.  While numbers are multiplied, the result is known as the product.  The numbers multiplied are called factors.  One factor is known as the multiplicand; the other is called the multiplier.  Multiplication is implies by the times or multiplication sign (x), by a raised dot (.), or by an asterick (*).

9          Multiplicand

x 4       x Multiplier

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36        Product

In multiplying various numbers, the similar product is acquired even if the numbers are multiplied in a various order or even if some of the numbers are multiplied together before the last multiplication is made. These properties are known as the commutative and associative laws for multiplication.