Multiplication is a faster way to add the same number many times. Instead of writing
3 + 3 + 3 + 3, we can write 4 × 3, which means "4 groups of 3".
The multiplication symbol (×) means "groups of". When we see 4 × 3, we read it as
"four times three" or "four groups of three". The answer is called the product.
Think of multiplication like this: If you have 4 bags and each bag has 3 apples,
how many apples do you have in total? You have 4 × 3 = 12 apples!
The two numbers we multiply are called factors. In 4 × 3 = 12, both 4 and 3 are factors,
and 12 is the product.
Study these examples carefully before starting the practice questions.
Problem: 3 × 4 = ?
This means 3 groups of 4
Answer: 12
Problem: A farmer has 5 baskets. Each basket has 3 eggs. How many eggs does the farmer have?
This is a multiplication word problem
Answer: 15 eggs
Problem: 2 × 5 = ?
This means 2 groups of 5
Answer: 10
Solve each problem. Show your work in the space provided.