mathematics - Is it correct to say "times" in this context?


Consider the following:



Math teacher: "How can we turn 42 into 420 through multiplication?"


Student: "You times it by ten!"



Is this usage of times correct? I hear it so often that I suspect it may be correct. I'm sure the reason for this (potential) mistake is that it is correct to say:



"Ten times four is forty."



Does anyone know if this is correct or not?



Answer



In Standard English, this usage of the word times is considered an error. It is often used by children and students when speaking of multiplication, for exactly the reason that you indicate: the formula X times Y equals Z has spawned the creation of a verb to times meaning to multiply.


However, using this in any kind of formal context is considered an error, and I have only ever encountered this usage from children. I would avoid it in writing altogether, and discourage students from using it.


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