Multiplication is a quick way to add equal groups of things.
Step 1: Think about equal groups
If you have 3 bags with 4 apples in each bag, you have 3 equal groups of 4 apples.
Step 2: Add the groups
You can count all the apples by adding: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Step 3: Write it as multiplication
Instead of writing the same addition again and again, write 3 × 4 = 12. This means 3 groups of 4 make 12.
The symbol × means “groups of” or “times.” In 3 × 4, the numbers 3 and 4 are called factors, and the answer, 12, is the product.
Try a few
- 2 × 5 means 2 groups of 5: 5 + 5 = 10.
- 4 × 3 means 4 groups of 3: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12.
- 5 × 2 means 5 groups of 2: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10.
Helpful tip: You can switch the numbers around and get the same answer: 3 × 4 = 4 × 3 = 12. Practice a little at a time, and multiplication will get easier!