>> Multiplication requires different units.
>> 2 baskets × 3 apples per basket = 6 apples
No it doesn't. In that example the "baskets" and "per baskets" (ie x/baskets) are cancelling each other. 2 baskets x 3 apples/baskets = 2 x 3 apples = 6 apples. Once you remove the unnecessary terms the actual multiplication is still basic repeated addition.
2 hours x 3 miles per hour = 2 x 3 miles = 3miles+3miles = 6 miles.
Yes, that was the most glaring mistake in the article, in my eyes. The runner up strange argument was the one about multiplication and addition having different identities and inverses. But why would the operations "Addition" and "Repeated Addition" have exactly the same properties? The operations are not the same.
I think the real issue is about how to interpret the adjective "Repeated" when we turn to more general domains than the natural numbers. But that's not a huge issue, it's mostly a matter of terminology.
No it doesn't. In that example the "baskets" and "per baskets" (ie x/baskets) are cancelling each other. 2 baskets x 3 apples/baskets = 2 x 3 apples = 6 apples. Once you remove the unnecessary terms the actual multiplication is still basic repeated addition.
2 hours x 3 miles per hour = 2 x 3 miles = 3miles+3miles = 6 miles.