Basic Details
Word: Multiple
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Many, or more than one. In maths, a multiple of a number is what you get when you multiply it by a whole number, such as 12 for 4.
Synonyms: many, several, numerous
Antonyms: single
How to Spell Multiple
Syllables: mul - ti - ple
Tricky part: The ending is ple, as in simple and triple, not pel or ble. The middle vowel is i.
Watch out for: multipel, multible, multypul
Memory tip: Multi means many, as in multicoloured. Add ple, the ending you already know from simple: multi + ple.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The test had multiple choice questions, so we only had to tick one answer each.
Example 2: Grandpa takes multiple tablets every morning with his tea.
Example 3: Twenty is a multiple of five because five times four is twenty.
Fun Fact
Zero is a multiple of every whole number, because any number multiplied by zero gives zero.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word multiple as used in the sentence:
The thief left multiple fingerprints on the glass door of the shop.
a) single
b) numerous
c) several
d) many
Show answer
a) single. One fingerprint would be a single print; the other three all mean more than one.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
multipple
a) p
b) m
c) l
d) t
Show answer
a) p. Like simple and triple, multiple has just one p before le.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the meaning of the only correctly spelt word:
1. multiple 2. remaindor 3. quotiant 4. devisible
a) able to be divided with nothing left over
b) the amount left over after dividing
c) a number made by multiplying another by a whole number
d) the answer you get when you divide
Show answer
c) a number made by multiplying another by a whole number. Divisible starts div, remainder ends er and quotient ends ent, so only multiple is right.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which number is a multiple of 7?
a) 50
b) 24
c) 35
d) 40
Show answer
c) 35
2. A road accident with multiple injuries means there were ____.
a) injuries to animals
b) only minor scratches
c) no injuries
d) many injuries
Show answer
d) many injuries
