In mathematics, a multiple of a number is the result you get when you multiply that number by a whole number (0, 1, 2, 3, …).

Simple definition

A number A is a multiple of B if:

A = B × (whole number)

Examples of multiples

Example 1: Multiples of 5

Multiply 5 by whole numbers:

• 5 × 0 = 0

• 5 × 1 = 5

• 5 × 2 = 10

• 5 × 3 = 15

• 5 × 4 = 20

✅ So, the multiples of 5 are:
0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, …

Example 2: Multiples of 8

• 8 × 1 = 8

• 8 × 2 = 16

• 8 × 3 = 24

• 8 × 4 = 32

Important things to know about multiples

1. Every number has infinitely many multiples

Because you can keep multiplying by bigger whole numbers.

Example:
Multiples of 3 → 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, …

2. Zero is a multiple of every number

Because:

Any number × 0 = 0

3. Multiples vs factors

This is a common confusion, so here’s a clear comparison:

4. Multiples help with divisibility

If a number is a multiple of another number, then it is divisible by that number.

Example:
24 is a multiple of 6 → 24 ÷ 6 = 4