Solve the Basic Multiplication: 2 × 1 Step-by-Step

Q: Why does any number times 1 equal itself?

The number 1 is called the multiplicative identity because it doesn't change other numbers when you multiply. Think of it as having 1 group of 2, which is just 2!

Q: Is this the same as 1 × 2?

Yes! Multiplication is commutative, meaning $ 2 \times 1 = 1 \times 2 = 2 $. The order doesn't matter for the final answer.

Q: What if the numbers were negative?

The same rule applies! $ (-2) \times 1 = -2 $ because multiplying by 1 always keeps the number exactly the same, including its sign.

Q: How is this different from adding 1?

Very different! Adding 1 means $ 2 + 1 = 3 $, but multiplying by 1 means $ 2 \times 1 = 2 $. Always check the operation symbol!

Q: Why do I need to learn such simple multiplication?

Understanding basic facts like $ n \times 1 = n $ helps you solve complex problems faster and builds confidence with the multiplication operation!

Basic Multiplication with Positive Integers

Complete the following exercise:

$2\cdot1=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:04 Positive times positive is always positive

00:12 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Complete the following exercise:

$2\cdot1=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's remember the rule:

$(+x)\times(+x)=+x$

Therefore, the sign of the exercise result will be positive:

$+2\times+1=+2$

Final Answer

$2$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Any number multiplied by 1 equals itself
Technique: $2 \times 1 = 2$ because 1 is the multiplicative identity
Check: Verify that $2 \times 1 = 2$ gives the same result ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing multiplication by 1 with addition
Don't think $2 \times 1 = 3$ by adding instead of multiplying = wrong operation! This confuses the fundamental difference between operations. Always remember that multiplying by 1 keeps the number unchanged.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

$(-2)\cdot(-4)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does any number times 1 equal itself?

The number 1 is called the multiplicative identity because it doesn't change other numbers when you multiply. Think of it as having 1 group of 2, which is just 2!

Is this the same as 1 × 2?

Yes! Multiplication is commutative, meaning $2 \times 1 = 1 \times 2 = 2$ . The order doesn't matter for the final answer.

What if the numbers were negative?

The same rule applies! $(-2) \times 1 = -2$ because multiplying by 1 always keeps the number exactly the same, including its sign.

How is this different from adding 1?

Very different! Adding 1 means $2 + 1 = 3$ , but multiplying by 1 means $2 \times 1 = 2$ . Always check the operation symbol!

Why do I need to learn such simple multiplication?

Understanding basic facts like $n \times 1 = n$ helps you solve complex problems faster and builds confidence with the multiplication operation!

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