Introduction to Multiplication

Introduction

Multiplication is a way of adding the same number multiple times.

What is Multiplication?

Repeated Addition

Imagine you have 3 pencils, and each pencil costs 5 shillings. To find out how much 3 pencils cost, you can add 5 shillings three times like this: $$ 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 $$ But instead of adding like this, you can multiply: $$ 3 \times 5 = 15 $$

Equal Groups

Multiplication can also be used when you have equal groups of items. For example, if you have 4 groups of 2 apples each, you can multiply to find how many apples in total: $$ 4 \times 2 = 8 $$

Fun Activity

Ask a family member or friend to give you a number, and then multiply that number by 2, 3, or 4. Try to solve the multiplication using repeated addition. For example, if the number is 4 and you need to multiply by 3, you can do: $4 + 4 + 4 = 12$.

Remember

• Multiplication is like adding the same number multiple times.
• You can use multiplication for repeated addition or equal groups.
• Practice your multiplication skills with fun activities.