Subject

Multiplication vocabulary word list

Use this list when introducing multiplication in elementary or middle school math. It gathers the core vocabulary students need to read word problems, describe arrays, and explain their thinking about repeated addition and products.

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
multiplyverbTo increase greatly in number or amount, or to combine numbers through multiplication.Rabbits multiply quickly, so a small population can grow within a single season.
multiplicationnounA mathematical operation that combines two or more numbers to find their total product.Students practiced their multiplication tables every morning before starting the day's lessons.
factornounA number multiplied by another number to produce a product; for integers, a factor divides another integer without a remainder.In 3 × 8 = 24, both 3 and 8 are factors of 24.
productnounThe result of multiplying numbers or expressions.The product of 6 and 7 is 42.
arraynounAn impressive, organized display or collection of a large number of things.The bakery window showed an array of pastries in every imaginable flavor.
timesprepositionMultiplied by; used to indicate that one number is being multiplied by another.Five times four equals twenty, a fact she memorized early in school.
groupsnounThe plural of group: two or more separate collections of people or things gathered or classified together.The teacher split the class into four groups for the science project.
equaladjectiveThe same in amount, value, status, or rights as something or someone else.The two runners crossed the finish line at exactly equal times.
repeatedadjectiveDone, said, or happening again and again, multiple times.Despite repeated warnings, he continued to ignore the safety rules.
additionnounThe mathematical operation of combining numbers to find their sum.Use addition to find the total cost of the two tickets.
multiplenounA number obtained by multiplying a given number by an integer.Twenty-four is a multiple of 6 because 6 × 4 = 24.
doubleadjectiveTwice as much or as many, or consisting of two matching or corresponding parts.We ordered a double portion of fries because everyone at the table was starving.
tripleverbTo make something three times as large or numerous, or a thing consisting of three parts.The company tripled its profits after expanding into international markets.
squarenounA flat shape with four equal straight sides and four right angles.He drew a square on the paper and measured each side carefully.
cubenounA three-dimensional solid shape with six equal square faces.The child stacked wooden cubes to build a small tower.
exponentnounIn mathematics, a number placed above and to the right of another number, showing how many times it is multiplied by itself.In the expression 2 to the power of 3, the exponent 3 tells us to multiply 2 by itself three times.
basenounThe lowest part or foundation of something that supports it, or a place from which operations are organized.Workers poured concrete for the base of the new bridge before winter arrived.
commutativeadjectiveDescribing an operation in mathematics where the order of the elements does not change the result.Addition is commutative because 2 plus 3 gives the same result as 3 plus 2.
associativeadjectiveRelating to or involving mental or mathematical association between ideas or elements.Addition is associative, meaning the grouping of numbers does not change the sum.
distributiveadjectiveRelating to distribution or division among a number of people or things, especially in grammar or mathematics.In grammar, words like each and every are called distributive pronouns because they refer to individual members of a group.
skip countingnounA method of counting forward or backward by a number other than one, such as by twos or fives.The class practiced skip counting by fives to reach one hundred quickly.
dividendnounA sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders from its profits.The company increased its quarterly dividend after a strong year of sales.
divisornounA number by which another number is divided.In the equation twenty divided by four equals five, four is the divisor.
quotientnounThe result of dividing one number or expression by another.The quotient of 36 divided by 9 is 4.
inverseadjectiveOpposite in position, direction, order, or effect to something else.There is an inverse relationship between the price of a good and how much people buy.
equationnounA mathematical statement asserting that two expressions are equal in value.Students learned to solve for x in a simple linear equation.
variablenounA symbol that represents a value that may change or is not yet known.In x + 4 = 9, the variable x represents 5.
coefficientnounA numerical or constant factor that multiplies a variable in a mathematical expression.In the equation 3x + 2, the number 3 is the coefficient of x.
gridnounA pattern of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines forming squares, used for reference or organizing information.The map uses a grid to help readers locate streets by row and column.
tablenounA piece of furniture with a flat top and legs, used for eating, working, or placing objects on.We gathered around the table for a family dinner on Sunday evening.

Words for describing multiplication facts

Multiplication vocabulary often centers on the parts of an equation: the factors being multiplied and the product they create. An array arranges objects in equal rows and columns to show a multiplication fact visually, while skip-counting means counting forward by the same number repeatedly, such as 5, 10, 15. Understanding these words helps students explain their reasoning, not just state an answer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a factor and a product?

Factors are the numbers being multiplied together, and the product is the answer you get after multiplying them.