Multiple (mathematics): Difference between revisions
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In [[mathematics]], a '''multiple''' of an [[integer]] is the product of that integer with another integer. For instance, 6 is a multiple of 2, since 6=2x3. Similarly, -6 is a multiple of 2, since -6=2x(-3). Instead of referring to one number as a multiple of a second, one often refers to the second number as a [[divisor]] of the first. Both of these statements express the same idea with different words. For example, above we saw that 6 is a multiple of 2. This same idea can be expressed by stating that 2 is a divisor of 6. See the page about [[divisor]]s for more about this important relationship. | In [[mathematics]], a '''multiple''' of an [[integer]] is the product of that integer with another integer. For instance, 6 is a multiple of 2, since 6=2x3. Similarly, -6 is a multiple of 2, since -6=2x(-3). Instead of referring to one number as a multiple of a second, one often refers to the second number as a [[divisor]] of the first. Both of these statements express the same idea with different words. For example, above we saw that 6 is a multiple of 2. This same idea can be expressed by stating that 2 is a divisor of 6. See the page about [[divisor]]s for more about this important relationship. | ||
The relationship of one object being a multiple of another can also appear in other contexts. For instance, one [[polynomial]] can be a multiple of another. Please see the | The relationship of one object being a multiple of another can also appear in other contexts. For instance, one [[polynomial]] can be a multiple of another. Please see the [[divisor (ring theory)|abstract divisor]] page for further types of multiples. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Least common multiple]] | * [[Least common multiple]] | ||
Revision as of 21:50, 31 March 2008
In mathematics, a multiple of an integer is the product of that integer with another integer. For instance, 6 is a multiple of 2, since 6=2x3. Similarly, -6 is a multiple of 2, since -6=2x(-3). Instead of referring to one number as a multiple of a second, one often refers to the second number as a divisor of the first. Both of these statements express the same idea with different words. For example, above we saw that 6 is a multiple of 2. This same idea can be expressed by stating that 2 is a divisor of 6. See the page about divisors for more about this important relationship.
The relationship of one object being a multiple of another can also appear in other contexts. For instance, one polynomial can be a multiple of another. Please see the abstract divisor page for further types of multiples.