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1.4 Multiplication

MULTIPLICATION: A SHORTCUT TO REPEATED ADDITION

Multiplication is a simpler way of doing repeated addition. Suppose Ron can do 30 push-ups in one minute. If he maintained a steady pace, how many push-ups could he do in five minutes? You could add 30 + 30 + 30 + 30 + 30, or you could multiply 30 × 5 to arrive at the answer of 150 push-ups. Some words and symbols used in multiplication are timesthe product of, the "×" sign, or a dot like "•". Sometimes numbers that are being multiplied will be put in parentheses (30)(5)=150. 

Example 1 - Each person on your six-person crew is carrying five quarts of water. How many quarts of water does your crew have in total? 

multiplication graphic


The multiplication problem would be 5 × 6 = 30.
This process is the same as adding 5 six times.

When larger numbers are involved, multiplication is much easier than the repeated addition.

Example 2 - Multiply 17 by 63.

multiplication example 

Step 1. Multiply the top number by the number in the ones spot, which is 3.
17 × 3 = 51

Step 2. Multiply by the number in the tens spot, or 60, by putting a "0" in the ones place and multiplying 17 × 6.
17 × 60 = 1020

Step 3. Add these together.
17 × 63 = 51 + 1020 = 1071

Example 3 - Multiply 374 × 261.

Follow the same steps as shown above.

Step 1. Multiply 374 by 1.

Step 2. Multiply by 60. Put a "0" in the ones place and then multiply 374 by 6.

Step 3. Multiply by 200. Put "0" in the ones and tens places and then multiply 374 by 2.

Step 4. Add the numbers. 
374 + 22,440 + 74,800 = 97,614


The answer to 374 × 261 is 97,614. 
 

MULTIPLYING SIGNED NUMBERS

When multiplying two numbers with the same sign, the answer will be a positive number. A positive number times a positive number always gives a positive answer.
5 × 5 = 25
4 × 8 = 32
2 × 6 = 12

A negative number times a negative number always gives a positive answer.
-5 × (-5) = 25
-5 × (-10) = 50
-9 × (-7) = 63

A positive number times a negative number always gives a negative answer.
5 × (-5) = -25
-70 × 8 = -560
24 × (-2) = -48

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

IBC Memo 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use IBC Memo 24-02: Summary of Changes for SIIBM, PMS 902

Date: July 15, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee 

The NWCG Incident Business Committee (IBC) has recently released two memorandums. The first provides direction on the use of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 for the 2024 fire season. Due to delays in hard copy printing, both the 2024 revision and the older version of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 are acceptable for use during the 2024 fire season.

The second memorandum documents the updates of the newly revised NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management (SIIBM), PMS 902. The summary of changes attached to the memo covers the major updates and process changes from the 2022 version.

References:

IBC Memorandum 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use

IBC Memorandum 24-02: Summary of Changes for the NWCG Standards of Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902

IBC Memorandum 24-02 Attachment: Summary of Changes

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Date: July 10, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee 

A new publication from the Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee is now available. The NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552 will be used as a guide and as an opportunity to begin to build out Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) modules for the remainder of Fire Year 2024. These standards will be fully implemented as the minimum standard starting in January 2025.

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support outlines the roles, duties, qualifications, and equipment pertinent to REMS. A REMS team, strategically stationed at wildland fires, plays a pivotal role in prioritizing swift access and medical treatment to injured or ill firefighters for safe and efficient egress off the fireline. This ensures their rapid transport to definitive medical care in cases of emergency during firefighting operations, highlighting the invaluable contribution of the REMS team to firefighter safety and well-being.

References:

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2024
Contact: National Interagency Fire Center 

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) would like to recognize July 2, 2024, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2024 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG continues to provide leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated national interagency wildland fire operations.

References:

NWCG.gov

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2024 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2024
Contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee 

As we approach the 2024 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30 to July 6, we dedicate this time to thoughtfully reviewing and recognizing the events of the 2018 Mendocino Complex. As such, this year’s theme of “Learning From the Mendocino Complex” embodies a longstanding hallmark of WOR, honoring through learning.

Throughout the week, our energy will be directed toward fostering generative conversations in briefing rooms and at tailgates.

References:

6 Minutes for Safety - 2024 Week of Remembrance

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center