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Multiplication is one of the most important math operations you’ll learn — and it’s actually just a quicker way to add the same number over and over!
Let’s imagine this: You’re building a castle out of blocks. Each row has 5 blocks, and you build 4 rows. Instead of adding 5 + 5 + 5 + 5, you can multiply:
4 × 5 = 20 blocks. That’s so much faster!
When you’re:
Counting how many legs are on 5 spiders (8 legs × 5 spiders = 40 legs!)
Buying packs of pencils (each pack has 6, and you buy 3)
Figuring out how many days are in 4 weeks (7 days × 4 weeks = 28)
Multiplication is repeated addition. That means:
3 × 2 is the same as 2 + 2 + 2
5 × 4 is the same as 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4
You can also switch the numbers around and get the same answer! This is called the commutative property.
So:
3 × 4 = 4 × 3 = 12
"Array Hunt" Game
1️⃣ Grab some small objects (buttons, coins, cereal pieces).
2️⃣ Teacher calls out a number, like “3 × 4!”
3️⃣ You must build 3 rows of 4 pieces. Then count them together!
4️⃣ Switch roles and let them build one for you to solve.
This teaches you how multiplication looks — in rows and columns — just like in real math problems.
Multiplication might seem big at first, but it’s just adding in a smarter way. Once you master your multiplication facts, math becomes easier, quicker, and a lot more fun!
Keep practicing, and you’ll be multiplying like a math magician in no time.
Try our Multiplication Quiz! and see how fast you can solve them all! 🎯