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Triple — Definition, Formula & Examples

Triple

Multiply by three.

Note: In the vector term triple product, triple means that three vectors are used, not that anything is multiplied by three.

Key Formula

Triple of x=3x\text{Triple of } x = 3x
Where:
  • xx = The original quantity being tripled

Worked Example

Problem: Triple the number 14.
Step 1: Multiply the number by 3.
3×14=423 \times 14 = 42
Answer: The triple of 14 is 42.

Why It Matters

The word "triple" appears frequently in word problems, so recognizing it as "multiply by 3" helps you translate English into math quickly. Be aware that in vector mathematics, "triple" takes on a different meaning — it refers to an operation involving three vectors, not multiplication by three.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Confusing "triple" with "triple product" and assuming both mean multiply by three.
Correction: In the context of vectors, a triple product involves three vectors in a specific operation (scalar or vector triple product). Only the everyday arithmetic meaning of "triple" is "multiply by 3."

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