An operator is a symbol or keyword that manipulates, combines, or transforms data. If you're new to programming, you'll notice that some mathematical operators, such as + (addition) and - (subtraction), are very familiar. In other cases, you'll have to learn special programming syntax, even if the concepts are familiar. For example, to multiply two numbers, ActionScript uses the symbol * (the multiplication operator) instead of the x typically taught in grade school. For example, this multiplies 5 times 6:
5 * 6;
