91Ó°ÊÓ

Multiplication is a fundamental mathematical operation. It allows us to find the total number of objects in a set of equal groups. When you multiply, you are essentially adding the same number repeatedly. For example, multiplying 3 by 4 is the same as adding 3 four times:

• \( 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 \)
• \( 3 \times 4 = 12 \)

This makes multiplication a faster and more efficient method for combining numbers. In the given exercise, we need to multiply 95 by 12. Performing this directly could be complex, so we can use strategies like the distributive property to make multiplication easier.

Breaking down numbers is a helpful strategy in simplifying multiplication problems. It involves expressing a number as a sum of more manageable parts. For our exercise, breaking down 95 as \( 90 + 5 \) allows us to handle more straightforward calculations.

When numbers are broken down, it's easier to apply the distributive property, as with our original problem where 95 becomes \( 90 + 5 \). This decomposition lets us multiply each component separately. This step is crucial for simplifying the calculation process while maintaining accuracy. It’s much easier to compute calculations with round numbers like 90 or 10.

The goal of simplifying calculations is to make complex problems more manageable by breaking them into smaller, easy-to-handle parts. By using the distributive property, we convert a tough multiplication problem into a series of smaller, straightforward multiplications.

With the exercise example, once you break down 95 into \( 90 + 5 \) and apply the distributive property, you end up with two simpler multiplications: \( 90 \times 12 \) and \( 5 \times 12 \).

The distributive property allows:

• \( 90 \times 12 = 1080 \)
• \( 5 \times 12 = 60 \)

You then add these results to get the final answer: \( 1080 + 60 = 1140 \). Simplifying calculations through these methods not only ensures accuracy but also saves time and reduces errors in solving mathematical problems.