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# Multiplication as Comparison

## What is multiplication?

The process of finding out the product between two or more numbers is called multiplication. The result thus obtained is called the product. Suppose, you bought 6 pens on one day and 6 pens on the next day. Total pens you bought are now 2 times 6 or 6 + 6 = 12.

This can also be written as 2 x 6 = 12

Note the symbol used for multiplication. The symbol (x) is generally used to represent multiplication. Other common symbols that are used for multiplication are the asterisk (*) and dot (.)

## What is meant by multiplication as a comparison?

Multiplication, by comparison, means that you compare two quantities in such a manner that when one quantity is multiplied by a specific number the other quantity is produced. Let us take an example. Consider the sentence, “ Harry is twice as tall as Peter “. This means that if the age of Peter is “ p “ then, the age of Harry will be two times that of Peter, i.e. 2p.

Let us take another example.

Example

The length of the bench is 30 m. it is thrice as long as the length of the Stool. What is the length of the stool?

Solution

We have been given that, the length of the bench is 30 m. it is thrice as long as the length of the Stool. Now, let the length of the stool be  “ s “. Therefore, we have,

3 s = 30

⇒ s = 10 m

Hence, the length of the stool is 30 m

## Representing Multiplication table as multiplication by comparison

Let us now understand how to read some of the multiplication tables in the form of multiplication by comparison

## Advantages of learning multiplication by comparison

Following are the advantages of learning multiplication by comparison –

1. Understanding multiplication by comparing quantities allows the students to understand the concepts as they raise the level of difficulties in multiplication.
2. It is easier to relate how numbers are multiplied with each other when projected as comparative quantities.

## Key Facts and Summary

1. The process of finding out the product between two or more numbers is called multiplication. The result thus obtained is called the product.
2. The symbol (x) is generally used to represent multiplication. Other common symbols that are used for multiplication are the asterisk (*) and dot (.)
3. Multiplication, by comparison, means that you compare two quantities in such a manner that when one quantity is multiplied by a specific number the other quantity is produced.
4. Understanding multiplication by comparing quantities allows the students to understand the concepts as they raise the level of difficulties in multiplication.
5. It is easier to relate how numbers are multiplied with each other when projected as comparative quantities.