Treble — Definition, Formula & Examples
Treble means to multiply a number by 3. If you treble 5, you get 15.
To treble a quantity is to produce a result equal to three times that quantity, which is equivalent to the operation of multiplying by the factor 3.
Key Formula
Where:
- = The original number being trebled
Worked Example
Problem: A recipe calls for 4 cups of flour. If you treble the recipe, how many cups of flour do you need?
Set up: Treble means multiply by 3.
Calculate: Multiply 3 times 4.
Answer: You need 12 cups of flour.
Why It Matters
The word "treble" appears in word problems and is commonly used in British English. Recognizing it as another way to say "triple" or "multiply by 3" helps you avoid confusion on tests and in real-life situations like adjusting recipes or calculating costs.
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Confusing treble (×3) with double (×2).
Correction: Double means multiply by 2, while treble means multiply by 3. Treble always gives a larger result than double for any positive number.