The Lesson

A multiple is the result of multiplying a number by an integer (a whole number).

Dictionary Definition

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a multiple as "a quantity which results from multiplying the given quantity by an integer."

A Real Example of Multiples

It is easier to understand multiples with an example. The multiples of 3 are found by multiplying 3 by the integers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

3, 6, 9, 12, 15
  • 3 is the result of multiplying 3 by 1.
  • 6 is the result of multiplying 3 by 2.
  • 9 is the result of multiplying 3 by 3.
  • 12 is the result of multiplying 3 by 4.
  • 15 is the result of multiplying 3 by 5.
Note: Multiples of a number are like the times tables of a number.

More Examples of Multiples

  • The multiples of 2 are:

    2, 4, 6, 8, 10
  • The multiples of 5 are:

    5, 10, 15, 20, 15
  • The multiples of 7 are:

    7, 14, 21, 28, 35

How to Find the Multiples of a Number

To find multiples of a number, multiply it by successive integers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... For example, to find multiples of 4, multiply it by successive integers:

4 × 1 = 4

4 × 2 = 8

4 × 3 = 12

4 × 4 = 16

4 × 5 = 20