Multiplication of Numbers — Grade 1 Mathematics
Multiplication is a quick way to add the same number many times. Instead of adding 4 + 4 + 4, we can simply say 3 × 4. It is one of the most powerful tools in mathematics — and once you know your times tables, maths becomes much faster and easier!
Multiplication as Repeated Addition
Multiplication is the same as repeated addition.
We use the times sign (×) and the equals sign (=).
3 × 5 = 15 means "add 5 three times": 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.
The two numbers being multiplied are called factors. The answer is called the product.
We use the times sign (×) and the equals sign (=).
3 × 5 = 15 means "add 5 three times": 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.
The two numbers being multiplied are called factors. The answer is called the product.
💡 Tip: Multiplication is commutative — you can swap the order and the answer stays the same!
3 × 4 = 12 and 4 × 3 = 12 ✅
3 × 4 = 12 and 4 × 3 = 12 ✅
Worked Examples
Example 1 — Repeated Addition
Work out 4 × 3 by adding groups of 3 four times.
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
4 × 3 = 12
Example 2 — Array (Visual)
Show 2 × 5 as an array of circles (2 rows of 5).
2 rows × 5 dots = 10 dots
2 × 5 = 10
Example 3 — Real World Scenario
There are 3 baskets 🧺. Each basket has 4 apples 🍎. How many apples are there altogether?
🧺🍎🍎🍎🍎 🧺🍎🍎🍎🍎 🧺🍎🍎🍎🍎
3 × 4 = 12 apples
Practice Questions
1. Work out 5 × 2.
✅ 5 × 2 = 10 (or 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10)
2. Write the repeated addition for 3 × 6 and find the answer.
✅ 6 + 6 + 6 = 18
3. There are 4 cars 🚗. Each car has 4 wheels. How many wheels altogether?
✅ 4 × 4 = 16 wheels
4. What is 2 × 9?
✅ 2 × 9 = 18
5. True or false: 3 × 7 = 7 × 3
✅ True! Both equal 21. Multiplication is commutative.
Key Points to Remember
- Multiplication is repeated addition of equal groups.
- We use the × symbol and the answer is called the product.
- Multiplication is commutative: 3 × 5 = 5 × 3.
- An array (rows of dots) is a great way to visualise multiplication.
- Any number multiplied by 1 stays the same. Any number × 0 = 0.