Lesson 4 of 12
✖ Introduction to Multiplication
What You'll Learn
- What multiplication means (repeated addition)
- How to use arrays to visualize multiplication
- The commutative property: 3 × 4 = 4 × 3
Multiplication Is Fast Addition
Multiplication is a shortcut for adding the same number many times.
- 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 → 4 groups of 3 → 4 × 3 = 12
- 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 → 3 groups of 5 → 3 × 5 = 15
The two numbers being multiplied are called factors. The answer is the product.
The Commutative Property
3 × 4 = 12 and 4 × 3 = 12. Order does not matter in multiplication! This is called the commutative property. It means you only really need to memorize half the times table.
Arrays Show Multiplication
An array is a grid of dots arranged in equal rows and columns. It is the best visual tool for understanding multiplication.
3 rows of 4 dots = 12 dots total = 3 × 4 = 12.
Use the interactive array below. Change the rows and columns and watch how the product updates. Notice how swapping rows and columns gives the same total!
Quick Check
1. What does 4 × 6 mean?
2. What is the product of 3 × 7?
3. Which equation shows the commutative property?