Footnote 1
3 fish tanks, with 2
fish in each tank, is not the same thing as 2 fish tanks, with 3 fish
in each tank. Even though in both cases there are 6 fish altogether the
models are different. I use 2 x 3 to refer to the first situation – the
multiplier (3) is the number of sets and the multiplicand
(2) is the number of elements in each set. Very few teachers
distinguish 2 x 3 from 3 x 2, and among those that do, some do it one
way and some do it the other way. There is no standard. If you
choose to introduce your child to the notation, I suggest that you pick
one way or the
other and stick to it.
(Of course, there is no need for children to know the words
"multiplier" and "multiplicand.")
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