multiple

Everyday

1. A multiple of a number is what you get when you multiply it by a whole number. 6, 9 and 12 are multiples of 3. tree →
2. Multiple (adjective) means many: «multiple choice», «multiple times». tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: numbers in a times table; «multiples of 5»; common multiples and the lowest common multiple; divisibility; multiple-choice questions. In everyday life: «multiple choice» tests, «multiple times». Phrases: «a multiple of», «common multiple», «lowest common multiple», «multiple choice».

Examples

• List the multiples of 4 below 20. tree →
• Is 18 a multiple of 6? tree →
• Find a common multiple of 2 and 3. tree →
• The number is a multiple of 5. tree →
• Multiples of 10 end in 0. tree →
• 12 is a common multiple of 3 and 4. tree →
• Choose the right answer in the multiple-choice quiz. tree →
• I've told you multiple times to tidy up! tree →

Note

Do not mix up «multiple» and «factor»: 3 is a factor of 12, and 12 is a multiple of 3. Every number is a multiple of itself and of 1. Maths: points to multiplication and divisibility. Trap: multiples go on forever; factors are a short list.