Multiplication is a short way to write repeated addition of the same number.
Four plates with 3 candies each can be counted as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3, or written simply as 3 × 4.
That is three taken four times, shown with the × sign.
Change the rows and group sizes to see the repeated sum and the product match.
Adding the Same Number Many Times?
🍎 Let's Share Apples!
①3 plates with 4 apples each
②4 + 4 + 4 = 12 → faster way?
③3 × 4 = 12! That is multiplication
Multiplication as Arrays
3
4
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Showing multiplication as a row × column array
💡 Arrays Make It Easy!
①Rows × items per row = total
②Repeated addition = multiplication
③× is read "times"
Grouping & Multiplication
5
3
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Showing multiplication as grouping
🎁 Grouping = Multiplication!
①Counting equal groups
②5 each in 3 groups = 5 × 3 = 15
③Faster than counting one by one
Summary
Meaning of Multiplication
Repeated addition = multiplication
4 + 4 + 4 = 4 × 3 = 12
Reading Multiplication
3 × 4 = 12 → '3 times 4 is 12'
× is the 'times' symbol
Commutative Law
3 × 4 = 4 × 3 = 12
Order does not change the result!
🎯 Remember!
①Multiplication = repeated addition
②Think in arrays (rows × cols)
③Use × symbol
④Order does not change result (commutative)
⑤Multiplication makes counting fast!
Examples and Unit Test
Example 1
Each plate has 4 apples. With 3 plates, how many apples in all?
1
Add the same number 4 three times: 4 + 4 + 4.
2
Written as multiplication, this is 4 × 3 = 12.
▸ 12 apples
Adding the same number repeatedly can be written simply as multiplication.
Example 2
Given 5 × 3 = 15, use it to find 3 × 5.
1
Multiplication gives the same answer when the order is swapped (commutative).
2
So 3 × 5 = 5 × 3 = 15.
▸ 15
3 × 5 and 5 × 3 give the same answer (commutative law).