The multiplication sign story

Quick answer

The multiplication sign story is about how people have used different symbols to show multiplication over time. The most common symbols are ×, ·, and (), and they all mean the same thing – combining equal groups to find a total.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how different symbols are used to show multiplication and why we use them in maths.

• You can identify the ×, ·, and () symbols for multiplication
• You can explain what each symbol means
• You can use the symbols to solve simple multiplication problems
• You can see how multiplication is used in everyday life

Why this matters

Knowing about multiplication symbols helps you read and write maths problems more easily. Whether you see 5 × 3, 5 · 3, or (5)(3), they all mean the same thing – 5 groups of 3. This knowledge helps you understand how maths works and how it is used in games, cooking, sports, and more!

How it works

There are three main symbols used to show multiplication:

1. The × symbol (called a "times" sign)
2. The · symbol (called a "dot" or "middle dot")
3. The () symbol (called "parentheses" or "brackets")

They all mean the same thing – to combine equal groups. For example:

• 5 × 3 = 15
• 5 · 3 = 15
• (5)(3) = 15

Each symbol helps us write multiplication in different ways. In some countries, people use the dot (·) more often. In others, they use the × symbol. In algebra, parentheses are often used.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real examples where these symbols are used:

Example 1: The × symbol

Imagine you have 4 boxes of crayons, and each box has 6 crayons.

Using the × symbol: 4 × 6 = 24 crayons

This means 4 groups of 6 crayons, which equals 24 crayons total.

Example 2: The · symbol

In some countries, like Germany, they often use the · symbol.

So, 7 · 5 = 35

This means 7 groups of 5, which equals 35.

Example 3: The () symbol

In algebra, you often see multiplication written with parentheses.

For example: (9)(4) = 36

This means 9 groups of 4, which equals 36.

Real-world example: Shopping

Imagine you are buying 5 packs of stickers, and each pack has 8 stickers.

You can write this as:

• 5 × 8 = 40
• 5 · 8 = 40
• (5)(8) = 40

All three ways show that you have 40 stickers in total!

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a "Maths Symbol Hunt" adventure!

You are a detective looking for multiplication symbols in your home or school. Here’s your mission:

1. Look around your room and find 3 examples of multiplication using ×
2. Look for 3 examples using ·
3. Look for 3 examples using parentheses ( )

When you find them, write down what the symbols mean and how they look. For example:

• ×: 3 × 4 = 12 (3 groups of 4)
• ·: 6 · 2 = 12 (6 groups of 2)
• () : (7)(3) = 21 (7 groups of 3)

Then, draw a picture of each example and explain it to a parent or friend!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that × and · are different symbols that mean different things.
• Why it happens: Some children get confused by the different looks of the symbols.
• Fix: Remember, they all mean the same thing – multiplication. The × is more common in primary school, but · and () are also correct.

• Mistake: Confusing multiplication with addition.
• Why it happens: Children sometimes think 3 + 3 = 6 and 3 × 3 = 6, but that’s not true.
• Fix: Remember, multiplication is repeated addition. 3 × 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 = 9.

• Mistake: Using parentheses for addition or subtraction.
• Why it happens: Parentheses are used for grouping, but not always for multiplication.
• Fix: Parentheses are used for multiplication when there are no other symbols, like (4)(5). But if you see 4 + (5), that's just addition with grouping.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, here’s how you can help your child learn about multiplication symbols:

1. Point out symbols in everyday life: Look for multiplication in books, games, and even on food labels. Say, “This is 3 × 2 – that means 3 groups of 2!”
2. Use games: Play games where you ask your child to find examples of multiplication symbols in their environment.
3. Encourage drawing: Have your child draw pictures of multiplication using groups, like 4 × 3 = 12, and label the symbols.
4. Don’t worry about memorising all the rules: Focus on understanding what the symbols mean and how they work.
5. Be patient: It takes time to understand that different symbols can mean the same thing.

Practice questions

1. What does 5 × 4 mean?
2. Write 6 · 7 in another way.
3. How would you write 8 × 9 using parentheses?
4. Which symbol is used most in primary schools?
5. What is (3)(5) equal to?

Answers:

1. 5 groups of 4, which equals 20
2. 30 (since 6 × 7 = 42)
3. (8)(9) = 72
4. The × symbol
5. 15

FAQ

Why are there so many symbols for multiplication?

People from different countries and times used different ways to show multiplication. Over time, some symbols became more popular in schools, while others are used more in advanced maths.

Can I use any symbol for multiplication?

Yes, but it’s best to use the one your teacher or school uses. In most primary schools, × is used. But in algebra, parentheses are common.

What is the difference between × and ·?

They mean the same thing, but × is more common in primary school and · is used in some countries or in algebra. The dot is also used to avoid confusion with the letter x.

Why do we need different symbols?

Different symbols help people from different places and different levels of maths understand each other. It's like having different languages – we can still understand each other if we know the meaning.

How can I remember the symbols?

Try drawing them and practicing with examples. You can also make up a fun story: “The × symbol is like a cross that connects two numbers, and the · is a tiny dot that means the same thing.”