Introduction to Multiplication
Discover what multiplication means using equal groups, arrays, and skip counting!
Equal Groups
Multiplication is a quick way of adding equal groups. When every group has the same number of things, we can multiply!
3 groups of 4 apples
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
3 groups of 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
3 × 4 = 12
Arrays
An array shows objects in rows and columns. It is a great way to see multiplication!
Array: 3 rows of 5
3 × 5 = 15
Skip Counting
Skip counting is counting in jumps. It is like adding the same number over and over. Skip counting helps us multiply quickly!
Count by 2s
Count by 5s
Repeated Addition = Multiplication
Adding the same number again and again is called repeated addition. Multiplication is a shortcut for repeated addition!
Key Vocabulary
Multiply
A quick way of adding equal groups. We use the × sign.
Equal Groups
Groups that all have the same number of things.
Array
Objects arranged in rows and columns. It shows multiplication as a picture.
Repeated Addition
Adding the same number over and over. For example: 3 + 3 + 3 = 9.
Worked Examples
There are 4 bags. Each bag has 2 sweets. How many sweets are there altogether?
Step 1: There are 4 equal groups, each with 2 sweets.
Step 2: Write it as repeated addition: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8
Answer: 4 × 2 = 8 sweets
Write the multiplication for this array:
Step 1: Count the rows: 2 rows.
Step 2: Count the columns: 3 columns.
Answer: 2 × 3 = 6
Use skip counting to find 5 × 2.
Step 1: Count by 2s, five times: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
Answer: 5 × 2 = 10
Knowledge Check
Pick the correct answer and press "Check Answer"!
Question 1
What is 3 × 2?
Question 2
How many dots are in this array?
Question 3
Which multiplication matches 5 + 5 + 5 + 5?
Question 4
There are 5 plates. Each plate has 10 grapes. How many grapes altogether?
Question 5
Skip count by 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, __. What comes next?
Key Concepts Summary
- ● Multiplication means equal groups of things.
- ● An array shows multiplication as rows and columns.
- ● Skip counting (2s, 5s, 10s) helps us multiply quickly.
- ● Repeated addition is the same as multiplication: 3 + 3 + 3 = 3 × 3 = 9.
- ● We use the × sign for multiplication.