Question 1

What is the MULTIPLY statement in COBOL?

Accepted Answer

The MULTIPLY statement performs multiplication operations in COBOL. It multiplies one value by another and stores the result. Syntax: MULTIPLY multiplicand BY multiplier [GIVING result]. Without GIVING, the result replaces the multiplier. With GIVING, the result is stored in a separate field, preserving the original values. MULTIPLY is used for arithmetic calculations in COBOL programs.

Question 2

What is the syntax of MULTIPLY?

Accepted Answer

Basic syntax: MULTIPLY multiplicand BY multiplier [GIVING result]. The multiplicand is multiplied by the multiplier. Without GIVING, the result replaces the multiplier field. With GIVING, the result is stored in the result field, and both multiplicand and multiplier remain unchanged. You can also use: MULTIPLY multiplicand BY multiplier-1 multiplier-2 ... to multiply multiple fields by the same value.

Question 3

What is the difference between MULTIPLY with and without GIVING?

Accepted Answer

MULTIPLY without GIVING stores the result in the multiplier field, replacing its original value. MULTIPLY with GIVING stores the result in a separate result field, preserving both the multiplicand and multiplier values. Use GIVING when you need to preserve the original values, or when the result field has a different size or type than the multiplier.

Question 4

Can you multiply multiple fields at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can multiply multiple fields by the same value: MULTIPLY 2 BY FIELD-1 FIELD-2 FIELD-3. This multiplies each field by 2. Each field receives the result of multiplying its original value by the multiplicand. This is useful when you need to apply the same multiplication operation to multiple fields.

Question 5

What happens with decimal places in multiplication?

Accepted Answer

MULTIPLY preserves decimal precision according to the result field's PICTURE clause. If the result field has 2 decimal places (PIC 9(5)V99), the result is rounded or truncated to 2 decimal places. The multiplicand and multiplier can have their own decimal places, and the result's precision is determined by the receiving field. Be aware of potential precision loss or rounding when the result has fewer decimal places than the calculation.

Question 6

Can you multiply by a literal value?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can multiply by literal values: MULTIPLY 2 BY COUNTER or MULTIPLY 1.5 BY AMOUNT GIVING RESULT. Literal values can be integers or decimals. When using decimal literals, ensure the result field can accommodate the precision. Literal multiplication is common for calculations like applying tax rates, discounts, or conversion factors.

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COBOL MULTIPLY Statement

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