1. **Problem statement:** You asked if the operation involves multiplying a number by $n - 1$. 2. **Clarification:** Multiplying by $n - 1$ means taking a number and multiplying it by one less than $n$. 3. **Example:** If you have a number $x$ and a value $n$, then multiplying by $n - 1$ is: $$x \times (n - 1)$$ 4. **Usage:** This operation is common in sequences, sums, or when adjusting counts by excluding one item. 5. **Summary:** Yes, multiplying by $n - 1$ means you multiply the number by one less than $n$. If you have a specific problem or context, please provide it for a detailed explanation.