Learn it
Multiplication is a fast way to add equal groups. If you have 4 bags with 3 apples in each bag, you have 4 groups of 3. You can add 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12, or you can multiply: 4 × 3 = 12.
Key idea: In 4 × 3, the first number tells how many groups and the second tells how many are in each group. The answer is called the product.
Look for the words each, every and groups of in word problems. They often mean multiply.
Worked examples
Example 1
There are 5 tables. Each table has 2 chairs. How many chairs are there?
- There are 5 groups (tables)
- Each group has 2 chairs
- 5 × 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10
Answer: 10 chairs
Example 2
Write 6 + 6 + 6 as a multiplication fact.
- Count the groups: there are three 6s
- Each group has 6
- 3 × 6 = 18
Answer: 3 × 6 = 18
Practice
Try these on paper first, then check your work.
- 3 groups of 5 = ?
- Write 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 as multiplication.
- 2 boxes have 7 crayons each. How many crayons?
- What does 6 × 2 mean in groups?
Show the answer key
- 15
- 5 × 4 = 20
- 2 × 7 = 14
- 6 groups of 2, which is 12