Multiplying with zero

Multiplication tells you how many times to add a certain number to itself. It is repeated addition. So, let's think about what it means to multiply with zero. Take this example: 0 times 100 Remember: multiplication is repeated addition. This problem is telling you to add 0 to itself one hundred times.

But zero is unique. When you add 0 to any number, that number does not change. Your answer will equal the original number. In zero plus zero, the original number is zero. This means the answer will also be zero.

This will happen even if you add zero to itself one hundred times. So, 0 times 100 equals 0. Let’s try the following calculations: Seven times zero… equals zero. Fifteen times zero… equals zero as well. 0 times 29… also equals zero.

In each example, the answer is zero. We’ve discovered a special rule: if you have a multiplication of any number by zero, the answer will always be zero. It does not matter how many numbers you are multiplying with, or how large those numbers are. For example, what is 9 times 78 times 0 times 4645? Before you start calculating, look closely.

Do you see the “times zero”? This tells us the whole answer is zero. No need to do the other multiplications. 9 times 78 times 0 times 4645 equals 0. If you are multiplying by zero, the answer will be zero.

Remember this rule, and all multiplications with zero will become easier!