AQA · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: 8525 · Version from Sept 2020
Arithmetic operations in a programming language: multiplication
Multiplication is an arithmetic operation that combines equal groups to give a product.
Checked against the AQA 8525 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 8
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Multiplication is an arithmetic operation that combines equal groups to give a product. In a programming language it is written with an operator, commonly the asterisk symbol, so a statement such as total ← price * quantity stores the product of the two values in total. The operation works on numeric values, and the result type depends on the operands: two integers give an integer product, while involving a real value gives a real result. Learners should be able to read a short program line, identify the operator, work out the value assigned to the variable and predict the output. They should also recognise multiplication inside expressions where operator precedence matters, for example a + b * c evaluates the product before the addition.
What earns the marks
- Identifies the multiplication operator in a given program line, typically the asterisk symbol.
- Correctly evaluates a product of two or more numeric values, including negative numbers.
- Explains that the result of multiplying two integers is an integer, whereas involving a real value gives a real result.
- Applies operator precedence so that multiplication is performed before addition or subtraction in a mixed expression.
- Traces a short program and states the value stored in a variable after a multiplication statement.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Using the letter x as the multiplication operator in code.
Put it right: Use the asterisk symbol in program statements.
Evaluating a mixed expression strictly left to right and so adding before multiplying.
Put it right: Apply precedence and multiply first.
Assuming multiplication always produces an integer.
Put it right: A real operand gives a real product.
Exam tips
- Underline the operator and the operands before calculating so you do not misread the expression.
- Show the intermediate product when an expression mixes multiplication with addition or subtraction.
- Check the sign of the result when one or both operands are negative.
Try the lesson
The start of the Arithmetic operations in a programming language: multiplication lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A program stores the value 7 in a variable called count and then runs the statement total = count * 4. What value is stored in total?
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Arithmetic operations in a programming language: multiplication
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge