How to read '3x7'

[joham]

In math class, how should we read the problem of 3x7=?

1. How much is 3 groups of 7?
2. What is the product of 3 sevens?
3. How much is three times seven?
4. How much is three multiplied by seven?

Any other ways to express the idea? Which is the simplest and the commonest to say this?

Thank you in advance.

[allenman]

Your reply #3 is the best choice. Then reply #4.

Not a teacher

[Drear Pooson]

Not a teacher.

Or, "three times seven equals..."



DP

[Rover_KE]

In a maths class my first choice would be: three sevens;

second choice three times seven.

Rover

[charliedeut]

How about "three by seven"? Is this only use for measures of surface, or would it be correct here, too?

Thanks.

Greetings,

Charliedeut

[The Dude]

I would go with Rover_KE on this. 'Three sevens are twenty-one' has a nice rhythm to it, which is why we use this format to teach simple multiplication to children here. So the question would be "What (or How much) are three sevens?".

But choosing between the options on your list, Allenman is right. 1 and 2 sound very awkward.

Charliedeut: Yes, 'three by seven' is the way to describe the dimensions of a surface, although not its area.

[Barb_D]

This must be another American/British difference. Without fail, in the US,
How much is three times seven? or
Three times seven equals... ?

I would never say "three sevens is..."

And to clarify the Dude's response to Charlie, correct for dimensions, but incorrect in math(s) class for learning multiplication tables.

[JMurray]

If I were saying this out loud in normal conversation: "three sevens are twenty-one"

[The Dude]

I would never say "three sevens is..."

Neither would I!

[Barb_D]

Fair enough. I wouldn't say it with "are" either.